Resolution #00-01-1

On October 26, 2000, the Faculty Senate adopted the following resolution recommended by the Executive Committee:

The University of Rhode Island is a secular institution established to serve the general public interest and the interests of all the people of Rhode Island.

University-sponsored commencement ceremonies are intended as a public acknowledgement of the educational accomplishments of its students and as such are an extension of the University's secular character...

Therefore, be it resolved:

That the Faculty Senate of the University of Rhode Island endorses a policy that excludes prayer and other religious practices as part of the formal program of University-sponsored commencement exercises.