May 22, 2005
The Wall of Separation Between Church and State

Is a bit threadbare in Massachusetts regarding Harvard, according to John Eastman over at The Right Coast; who notes the Massachusetts Constitution's statement about Harvard:

Chapter V, Section I, Article I. Whereas our wise and pious ancestors, so early as the year [1636], laid the foundation of Harvard College, in which university many persons of great prominence have, by the blessing of God, been initiated in those arts and sciences which qualified them for the public employments, both in church and State; and whereas the encouragement of arts and sciences, and all good literature, tends to the honor of God, the advantage of the Christian religion, and the great benefit of this and the other United States of America, it is declared, that the president and fellows of Harvard College, in their corporate capacity, and their successors in that capacity, their officers and servants, shall have, hold, use, exercise, and enjoy all the powers, authorities, rights, liberties, privileges, immunities, and franchises which they now have, or are entitled to have, hold, use, exercise, and enjoy; and the same are hereby ratifiedand confirmed unto them, the said president and fellows of Harvard College, and to their successors, and to their officers and servants, respectively, forever. (emphasis added)

Does this make Harvard a theocracy? How about Massachusetts? Come one now, liberals; let us know. We're told that the mere singing of a song with Christian content is an unconstitutional violation of the separation of Church and State; so what does it mean when a college is given privileges by the State because what it does "tends to the honor of God"? We'll be waiting for your answers....

Posted by Mark Noonan on May 22, 2005 02:59 AM