Faculty Oath in 1886 Davidson Constitution (DC Archives Davidson Constitution)

From its beginnings in 1837, the Presbyterian Church has played a major role at Davidson College.  The college began as an institution designed to educate men and to prepare men to become Presbyterian ministers ("Davidson Has").  Until 1965, students were required to attend chapel and vespers services every week (Hickey).  The administration’s ideals and procedures also included religious themes.  Since the founding of the college, the faculty had been required to affirm their Christianity at their inauguration (Hickey).  This had always been a significant part of Davidson’s ideology.  However, in 1965, the faculty oath was abolished in exchange for a written statement from each new professor assuring that they are “committed to the Christian faith” and that they “comprehend the Statement of Purpose of Davidson College, and intend to promote this purpose” (Hickey).  This new policy has also been criticized.  In 1977, Ron Linden, a Jewish candidate for an opening in the political science department at Davidson, was offered the position and asked if he would support the Statement of Purpose of the college.  Linden was not granted the position due to his negative comments regarding Davidson’s policy (Donsky).  This incident drew national attention to the college and led to numerous changes in its policies on religion.  Since 1977 the college’s policies regarding the faith and practice of the religion, philosophy and psychology professors, trustees, and president have also been questioned. 

Contact us if you have any questions or comments:

Dalewis@davidson.edu or Kalacificar@davidson.edu