In his retirement, Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia. Because
Jefferson trusted that students would take their studies seriously, the code of
discipline was lax. Unfortunately, his trust proved misplaced when the misbehavior
of students led to a riot in which professors who tried to restore order were attacked.
The following day a meeting was held between the university’s board, of which
Jefferson was a member, and defiant students. Jefferson began by saying, “This is
one of the most painful events of my life,” suddenly he was overcome by emotion,
and burst into tears. Another board member asked the rioters to come forward and
give their names. Nearly every one
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