UVA group suggests statue removal, indigenous center
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. The University of Virginias racial equity task force is recommending the school remove a statue of a Revolutionary War general that some have criticized for its depiction of Native Americans, and replace it with an indigenous studies center. The nearly 100-year-old granite statue of Gen. George Rogers Clark depicts the military officer mounted on a stallion confronting three Native Americans while backed by armed men. Clark, the older brother of explorer William Clark, led militias against Native American tribes to take land after the war, according to historians. A final decision on removing or replacing the statue would be made by the universitys board of visitors. Spokesman Wes Hester said Ryan would review the plans and discuss the report with the board in September.