There is a placard on the chapel quad stating a specific purpose for the university. How did it get there, and why has it not been removed so far?
Cheers
ANSWER PERSON RESPONDS: When Duke University was established with the Duke Endowment in 1924, the charter of Trinity College (last amended in 1903) was rewritten–or at least the name of the institution. The plaque, given to the University in 1942 by the Order of Red Friars, a campus honorary society, contains the text as it appears as Article 1, AIMS, of the University Bylaws:
The aims of Duke University (“University”) are to assert a faith in the eternal union of knowledge and religion set forth in the teachings and character of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; to advance learning in all lines of truth; to defend scholarship against all false notions and ideals; to develop a Christian love of freedom and truth; to promote a sincere spirit of tolerance; to discourage all partisan and sectarian strife; and to render the largest permanent service to the individual, the state, the nation, and the church. Unto these ends shall the affairs of this University always be administered.
The Bylaws were last revised 5/21/2002, without any change to the AIMS.
So what you have there is a bit of history, not quite written in stone, but mounted in granite. Consider it an historical artifact, part of the heritage of this institution.
If you want to change the University Bylaws, you’ll have to take that up with the Board of Trustees.