We, the people of this State which state shall henceforth be known as the state of Rhode Island, grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing upon our endeavors to secure and to transmit the same, unimpaired, to succeeding generations, do ordain and establish this Constitution of government.
The diffusion
of knowledge, as well as of virtue among the people,
being essential to the preservation of their rights and liberties, it shall be
the duty of the general
assembly to promote
public schools and public
libraries, and to adopt all means which
it may deem necessary and proper to secure to the people
the advantages and opportunities of education and public library services.
The money
which now is or which may hereafter be appropriated by law for the establishment of a permanent
fund for the support of public
schools, shall be securely invested
and remain a perpetual fund for that purpose.
All
donations for the support of public schools, or for other purposes of education, which may be
received by the general assembly, shall
be applied according to the terms prescribed by the donors.
The
general assembly shall make all necessary provisions by law for carrying this article into effect. It shall not divert said money or fund
from the aforesaid uses, nor borrow, appropriate, or use the same, or any part thereof,
for any other purpose, under any pretence whatsoever.