Politics & Government
UVA Jefferson Statue Vandalized With Words 'Racist + Rapist'
The statue had been vandalized the same day UVA honored Thomas Jefferson for Founder's Day.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA—A statue of Thomas Jefferson was vandalized at the University of Virginia ahead of Founder's Day events honoring Jefferson. The words "Racist + Rapist" were painted on a statue at The Lawn early Friday, according to the Cavalier Daily, UVA's student newspaper.
The writing likely references Jefferson's ownership of slaves and alleged rape of Sally Hemings, one of his slaves that may have fathered some of her children.
UVA ordered for the the writing to be removed from the statue. Founder's Day, celebrated on Jefferson's birthday, was recognized at UVA and his Monticello estate Friday, April 13.
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"The University is disappointed that individuals vandalized the statue of Thomas Jefferson on the Lawn on the day that we honor his contributions to our University and to our democracy," the university said in a statement. "The University recognizes the complexities of Thomas Jefferson’s legacy and continues to explore them fully and honestly. UVA welcomes open and civil discourse on such important issues. However, acts of vandalism do not contribute to meaningful discussion."
Jefferson and the University of Virginia have been at the center of the debate over racism and monuments, which came full circle last August when violence broke out between white nationalists and counter-protesters. The defacement spurred reactions from both sides on social media.
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Thomas Jefferson was a flawed human being who did more to emancipate humankind than any American philosopher in the country's history; indisputably until the 20th century. Vandalizing a statue means someone needs to stop reading #woke history and start reading real history.
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) April 13, 2018
This makes me so mad. REGARDLESS of how you feel about him, this is disrespectful. Thomas Jefferson Statue on @UVA Lawn Vandalized ==>> https://t.co/NJ02bXMJzb
— Katie Yoder (@k_yoder) April 13, 2018
It’s important to remember that someone being intelligent doesn’t mean they’re less likely to be racist. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence & he also enslaved his own children. White supremacy doesn’t care how many books you read.
— Clint Smith (@ClintSmithIII) March 28, 2018
Image via Steve Heap/Shutterstock
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