At this moment in time, I am afraid that if the university does not take the opportunity to grapple realistically and forcefully with all of the connotations of its name it will be permanently left behind by the forces of history and become a shameful footnote instead of the strong institution of learning it would like to be.
As long as the university is named for a Confederate general who fought against his own country and the basic rights of other humans, and that name is venerated, the university will be a beacon for intolerance and cruelty. I urge you and the Board of Trustees to actively move toward leaving Lee’s name behind and allowing the university to flourish as an institution of leaders and compassionate citizens.