John Matthews, Heather Curtis
WMAL.com
CHARLOTTESVILLE — Mimicking the city’s decision to shroud statues of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, about 100 protesters at the University of Virginia cheered as a statue of Thomas Jefferson was covered in black fabric Tuesday night, and adorned with signs labeling the nation’s third president as a “racist” and “rapist.” There were also “Black Lives Matter” signs flashed during the protest.
In a letter sent to to students, faculty and staff Wednesday, UVA President Teresa Sullivan said the university removed the shroud. Later in the day, the university issued a correction saying workers were sent to take the shroud off the statue, but when they arrived, it was already gone.
“I strongly disagree with the protestors’ decision to cover the Jefferson statue. I also recognize the rights of those present at the protest to express their emotions and opinions regarding the recent horrific events that occurred on our Grounds and in Charlottesville,” Sullivan wrote.
The demonstration came a month after a far larger crowd of white nationalists bearing tiki torches marched through the campus, sparking a weekend of violent protests that ended with the death of a counter-protester.
“One month ago, we stood on the front lines in downtown Charlottesville as all manner of white supremacists, neo-Nazis, and neo-fascists swarmed the area,” said a speaker addressing the crowd.
The group who protested Tuesday is calling on the University to adhere to the Black Student Alliance’s list of demands, which includes a ban on white supremacist groups from campus and the removal of confederate plaques from the Rotunda, one of the landmark campus buildings designed by Jefferson himself.
The list also proclaims the Jefferson statue to be “an emblem of white supremacy” – one which needs to be presented with a new context to include his history as a slaveowner.
Protestors surround shrouded statue of Thomas Jefferson pic.twitter.com/oEkoM5jGCO
— The Cavalier Daily (@cavalierdaily) September 13, 2017
In her letter Sullivan went on to say: “The University’s founder, Thomas Jefferson, made many contributions to the progress of the early American Republic: he served as the third President of the United States, championed religious freedom, and authored the Declaration of Independence.
In apparent contradiction to his persuasive arguments for liberty and human rights, however, he was also a slave owner.”
She said the university has acknowledged its controversial history, which includes using slaves to build its buildings and banning free African Americans from attending the school until the mid-twentieth century.
As part of the univesity’s efforts to respond to its history, Wednesday Pinn Hall was formally dedicated in honor of Vivian W. Pinn, one of the earliest African-American women to graduate from the School of Medicine.
Sullivan said there is more work to be done, and she looks forward to having the community come together to recommit to the values of honor, integrity, truth and respect.
Copyright 2017 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. (PHOTO: Twitter screencap)
