Community divided over Washington and Lee University’s name

LEXINGTON, Va. – Virginia’s Washington and Lee University says that there are deep divisions over its name as the nation continues to grapple with its racial past.

The school in Lexington said in a statement last week that it received 14,000 responses to a survey it has conducted as it examines issues of diversity, equity and inclusion on campus.

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The school was named for founding father George Washington and Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. Lee was a president of the university and is buried in a campus chapel.

The school surveyed students, parents, faculty and alumni. In July, faculty voted to remove Lee’s name and sent a recommendation to the school’s board of trustees.


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