Response to the Rector’s Washington and Lee Community Letter

Rector McAlevey and the Board of Trustees issued a statement Friday denying that they are erasing history on the campus of W&L.

Yet their message rings hollow.  They are saying in effect: “We’re not erasing history.  We’re just whitewashing it.”  They have literally whitewashed Lee Chapel.

They promise to preserve W&L history in a future museum but—given the university’s methodical campaign to erase Lee from campus—we are highly skeptical about how such a museum will be curated.

Our skepticism is well-founded.  Beyond Lee Chapel, W&L has cancelled Founders’ Day, removed images from diplomas, removed plaques, and generally distanced itself from Lee.

Our question is “Why?”  Are they ashamed of Lee?  Are they embarrassed by Lee?

If you are ashamed of Robert E. Lee, W&L is not where you belong.

If you’re embarrassed by Robert E. Lee, you should 1) take the time to read and learn his full story, and 2) if you’re still embarrassed by him, go somewhere else.

Robert E. Lee has been the heart and soul of the university for generations.  He saved the school.  He attracted new students and donors from all over the country.  He innovated the curriculum and entrusted the students with the Honor System.  He inspired countless alumni with his example of character and virtue.  Lee is what makes the W&L brand so unique and special.

We can (and should) celebrate Lee without celebrating the Confederacy or slavery or racism or the Lost Cause.  Our task is to do a better job of telling Lee’s story—the story of a reluctant warrior who was opposed to slavery and secession, and who was a leading voice for reconciliation after the war—and to carry on Lee’s legacy of honor, character, and integrity.

Meanwhile, the misguided actions of the University have had an overwhelmingly negative impact on financial support for W&L.  Major donors are rescinding estate bequests, and even more alumni have withdrawn their support for the Annual Fund, opting instead to send their money to The Generals Redoubt.

Unless the Board of Trustees reverses course soon, they run the risk of making W&L the Bud Light of higher education.  Go woke, go broke.

We call upon the Board of Trustees to reconsider its anti-Lee crusade.  Set aside your pride and acknowledge your mistakes.  Heed the pleas of alumni.  Restore Lee Chapel to its status quo ante, bring back Founders’ Day, and return Robert E. Lee to his rightful place of honor on campus.

Please click on the link below to help us continue the progress we are making in our efforts to influence the future of Washington and Lee.  Your financial support of TGR sends a powerful message to the leadership at Washington and Lee which they cannot ignore.   

Let your voice be heard through our growing organization.  In addition to improvements and activities at our new Fancy Hill headquarters in Rockbridge County, your generous contribution will fund more on-campus programs, student groups and national speakers who share our commitment to the values, history, and traditions of Washington and Lee.   

The Generals Redoubt (TGR) is a non-partisan 501 (c) (3) organization that is not aligned with, nor supports, any political party, individual, or organization.