In conformity with the principles of our constitution, which places all sects of religion on an equal footing, with the jealousies of the different sects in guarding that equality from encroachment & surprise, and with the sentiments of the legislature in favor of freedom of religion manifested on former occasions, we have proposed no professor of Divinity; and tho rather, as the proofs of the being of a god, the creator, preserver, & supreme ruler of the universe, the author of all the relations of morality, & of the laws & obligations these infer, will be within the province of the professor of ethics;
This passage highlights the founders inclusion of American ideals and values when creating this academic institution. Even though the majority of White men that would be attending the University would be Christian, the founders respected the freedom of religion that is an integral aspect of American society and government. The founders decided not to have a professor on divinity because that would promote the establishment of Christianity as an official religion of the university. This sets the University of Virginia a part from other academic institutions that were founded during this time period because it demonstrates the secular aspects of the University. Many Universities at the time were religiously affilaited, and religious teachings were a huge part of academics. But the founders of UVA stayed true to the ideals of American democracy that cherished the freedom of religion and the separation of church and state. UVA was therefore founded on more secular values and teachings that aimed to produce global citizens who valued the ethics and ideals of American society and government.