So. African University Drops Attempt to Limit Faculty to Protestants

The University of the Orange Free State, at Bloemfontein, today reversed a stand previously criticized by Jews and Roman Catholics announcing it has decided to retain the so-called “conscience clause” in its charter. Under that clause, Jews and Catholics are entitled to faculty appointments, along with members of the Protestant profession, since all religious qualifications for faculty appointments are barred.

Last year, the university had a bill introduced into the South African legislature, amending the “conscience clause.” University officials justified their stand on the grounds that the institution’s “basic character” is “Protestant Christian.” Among those who objected to the amendment were not only Jews and Catholics but also many other South Africans, including members of the Government, who called abolition of the “conscience clause” contrary to South Africa’s pattern of freedom of religion.

The University Council today instructed those who introduced the controversial amendment to drop it, requesting instead some other amendments of a non-controversial nature. Many of the South African newspapers promptly congratulated the university for altering its stand.