Updates to Campus Community on Monument Relocation
Last updated: July 17, 2020
Index
Messages from University of Mississippi leadership:
- July 17, 2020
- July 14, 2020
- June 22, 2020
- June 18, 2020
- Feb.17, 2020
- Jan. 16, 2020
- Dec. 6, 2019
- Oct. 15, 2019
- Aug. 28, 2019
- March 21, 2019
- March 7, 2019
Update on Cemetery Project – July 17, 2020
Dear students, faculty and staff,
With the confederate monument relocated to the cemetery on campus, I want to share a brief update on the project and what remains to be done.
First, to reiterate and clarify a point from my July 14 message, we will not add headstones to the cemetery. The graves are too shallow to add headstones without the possibility of disturbing the remains, which would be inappropriate and I am not willing to do that.
Work that remains to be completed at the site includes the addition of a sidewalk to make the site compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, safety lighting affixed to the sidewalk, and landscaping. In addition, I anticipate that the next meeting of the Work Group on the Cemetery Project will be its last meeting, and I will update you on any recommendations brought forth.
From the outset of my involvement in this project, my goal has been to relocate the monument from the Circle in the heart of our campus to a more suitable location on campus in accordance with state law. We have done that. At the same time, I must acknowledge that some aspects of the execution of this project have not been handled as well as I would have liked. I take seriously the concerns expressed by various student and faculty groups pertaining to certain elements of the project, and I have met over the last two weeks with faculty members, elected leaders of undergraduate and graduate student groups and the leadership of the Faculty Senate to discuss those concerns directly. I take responsibility and apologize for the concerns that resulted.
As I stated to our elected student and faculty leaders this week, I am committed to working more collaboratively on significant matters facing our university. As we approach the fall semester, I remain available to any student who calls my office to schedule a time simply to visit or discuss any opportunity at our university.
Sincerely,
Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor
Update from Chancellor Boyce on Monument Relocation – July 14, 2020
Today marks an important moment for our university as the confederate monument has been moved from the Circle at the center of campus to the cemetery near Tad Smith Coliseum. I want to thank and commend the students, faculty, staff and administration, as well as alumni and university foundation boards, who provided valuable input and support for the relocation effort. Your commitment to bring about what’s best for our university made all the difference.
In addition, I’d like to thank the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and the Board of Trustees of the Institutions of Higher Learning for giving us the necessary support to move the monument to a more suitable location.
Since my June 22 update to the university community, we have revisited aspects of the project and I would like to provide an important update. Last month, we requested a ground penetrating radar survey inside the cemetery walls to determine the depth of cover material over the buried remains. The results of this survey were received in two parts on June 26 and June 29. The survey concluded that in some places minimal ground cover could create a high probability of disturbing the graves. Consequently, and after many conversations and serious consideration, I feel excavating within the walls of the cemetery presents a significant risk of disturbing remains. This is a risk I am not prepared nor willing to take.
This has been an important issue for our university, and today’s relocation is a meaningful change for our community. I’m inspired by our ongoing commitment to strengthen our campus as a positive, productive and welcoming educational environment for all.
Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor
Message from Chancellor Boyce about monument – June 22, 2020
Dear students, faculty and staff,
Last Thursday, the IHL board voted to relocate the confederate monument from the Circle to the cemetery on campus, in accordance with state law. This has been something I have advocated for since taking this role, and it is an important moment in the history of this institution.
Since that vote took place, there has been a lot of concern expressed about the cemetery plans. The concerns were largely prompted by a pair of computerized artist renderings that were part of our submission to the IHL, and I want to share this clarifying message to the university community about the plans. In fact, since the IHL Board of Trustees tabled our request in January 2020, I have been working diligently on this process and have accomplished the following:
- Provided the Board, as requested, an update on work done on the recommendations issued in the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on History and Contextualization (CACHC) report,
- Communicated with Board members to update them and understand their concerns,
- Re-energized the Work group for the Cemetery Headstone Project on the markers in the cemetery to guide the completion of this recommendation,
- Worked with Facilities Planning to secure the construction company,
- Hired an artist to develop renderings to show that the cemetery is a suitable location, and
- Submitted the Board agenda item.
In the effort to expedite the resubmission of our proposal in order to get the monument relocated before the Fall 2020 semester begins, I did not take the time to share with our community our progress in moving the project forward. This has brought about concerns that need to be addressed.
1. Artist’s Rendering
I am aware of the concerns about the artistic renderings that were developed and attached to the IHL submission. I understand your concerns. The drawings illustrate an artist’s interpretation of the plans submitted by the university to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and the Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees, which have been publicly available online since August 2019.
The intent in developing renderings was to give a visual perspective of the cemetery as a suitable location for the monument. In listening to the concerns being expressed, there are specific physical aspects of the renderings that need clarifying.
- Placement of the monument on the right side of the path
- The original plans had the monument on the left side of the path. The renderings show it on the right side of the path, where it will be located.
- There will not be a grouted, brick paver sidewalk
- It is clear in all plans that the sidewalk will be stamped-and-stained concrete to the specifications necessary for it to be ADA-compliant.
- There is no work to be done on the cemetery wall
- There is not a bench in the submitted construction plan
- The bench depicted in the artist rendering is not in the plan and will not be included in the project.
- Landscaping is the artist’s interpretation
- Landscaping will be determined by our landscaping department.
- All existing trees, some of which are not depicted in the rendering, will remain.
- Lighting fixtures shown in the rendering
- All plans call for in-ground safety lighting necessary to light the pathway and allow security cameras (called for in the plans) to operate effectively.
- The state historical marker at the entrance of the cemetery will be moved to accommodate the path.
2. Cemetery markers
One of the changes to the original plan that is accurately reflected in the artist’s rendering is the addition of headstones to the cemetery. After a review of the CACHC recommendation concerning the placement of headstones and additional conversations with various individuals, it was clear that there were wide and varying viewpoints on how to move this recommendation forward. Therefore, I re-convened the Work Group for the Cemetery Headstone Project that evaluated the issue, deliberated on the best course of action, and subsequently recommended placing them in the cemetery. I am awaiting determination of the final configuration of the exact placement of the headstones from the Department of Facilities Planning.
3. Work Group for the Troops Memorial
I am reconvening the Work Group for the Troops Memorial that was established previously to develop a plan for the second part of that CACHC’s recommendation—the memorial for the U.S. Black Troops from Lafayette County that fought for the Union Army to be placed in an appropriate location on campus. Just as I was committed to seeing the monument relocated from the center of campus, I am just as committed to ensuring that the U.S. Black Troops from Lafayette County are recognized properly.
4. Suggestion that governing bodies endorsed the report
The IHL submission states, “The proposed plan has received written endorsement from various campus constituencies.” While those constituencies listed in the submission did approve the plan to relocate the monument to the cemetery, the placement of this statement in the document implies approval of the plan to add headstones to the cemetery, which was not addressed or approved by those groups. This is clearly an error and I will clarify this with the Board of Trustees.
This is a historic accomplishment for our campus, and I am saddened that my decision to move forward with the artist’s renderings is jeopardizing the excitement we have over the monument being relocated. I recognize the frustration with the process, but my intentions were to expedite the process to get the outcome that our campus shared governance leaders and external stakeholders fought so hard to accomplish.
Please know that the process of the monument’s removal from the Circle is one I have been committed to since I arrived on campus. I hope you will see that as we begin to quickly take the steps necessary to make that happen.
Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor
Message from Chancellor Boyce about monument – June 18, 2020
Dear university community,
We appreciate the vote today by the State Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees to approve the University’s proposal to relocate the monument on our campus. The presence of the monument in the heart of our campus has been a subject of debate off and on for a long time. Now is the time for change as we strive to make a better present and future for everyone on our campus.
This vote marks the culmination of years of research and discussion on how to address the monument. State law prohibits the relocation of any war memorial unless the proposed new location is more appropriate to display the monument. The approved plan allows the University to move the statue to the cemetery on campus. We are now prepared to complete this work and will do so as quickly as possible.
While many played a role in this process, it is important to recognize the group of students who reinvigorated this discussion, researched the issues, and developed proposals for relocation. They demonstrated the type of leadership that is a hallmark of our students. We also recognize the important support that came from student, faculty, staff and administrative governing bodies as well as several alumni and university foundation boards.
We are pleased to bring about this important change for our community.
Sincerely,
Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor
FAQs
When did the IHL approve the university’s request?
On June 18, 2020, the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning approved the University of Mississippi’s request to relocate the monument. The university’s proposal was supported with this documentation.
What additional information did you supply to the IHL since January’s postponed vote?
Since the decision in January, we provided an update on our contextualization plan. We finalized plans to add headstones to the cemetery on campus. In addition, we are working to develop an appropriate marker to commemorate the Lafayette County men who were among the black soldiers who served in the Civil War and acknowledge their efforts to bring secession and slavery to an end.
Why not remove the monument from campus instead of relocating it?
The Mississippi Military Protection Act (Miss Code. Ann. § 55-15-81) is the state law that governs the relocation of confederate monuments and memorials. The governing body may only move the memorial to a more suitable location if it is determined that the location is more appropriate to displaying the monument.
How much will this cost? Where will the funding come from?
The combined cost for relocating the monument, completing the enhancements to the cemetery and creating a memorial to the black soldiers in the Civil War is estimated to cost between $900,000 and $1.2 million. All costs related to moving the monument and all related work will be covered with private funds.
What’s the timeframe for relocating the monument?
The university will move as quickly as possible to get this work done.
What does the relocation process entail?
The university submitted and received approval from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History based on these drawings and specifications.
Update on Monument Relocation Plan – Feb. 17, 2020
Dear UM students, faculty and staff,
This message is part of our continuing commitment to keep you apprised on the process to relocate the Confederate monument to a more suitable location on campus.
Since I last wrote you on Jan. 16, 2020, we have been working diligently on the progress report requested by the IHL Board regarding the recommendations of the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on History and Contextualization (CACHC), which included recommendations specific to the cemetery next to Tad Smith Coliseum. Once complete, we will provide the board with this report, which is required before we can re-submit our relocation proposal for future consideration. We’re committed to working with the board to accomplish our goal of relocating the monument.
On a related note, I want to express my personal sadness about the death of our colleague and friend, Dr. John Neff, Associate Professor of History and Director of The Center for Civil War Research. His sudden passing on Jan. 30 marks a tremendous loss to the university. He played an integral role in the work of the CACHC and the ongoing efforts involving the cemetery and our plan to relocate the monument. His loss will require some adjustments to maintain progress, but we remain committed to continuing this work in no small part to ensure that we honor his memory and dedication to this important matter for our university.
We pledge to keep you informed and provide further updates as this process continues.
Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor
Update on Monument Relocation Plan – Jan. 16, 2020
Dear UM students, faculty and staff,
Today, the board of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) pulled from its January meeting agenda the university’s proposal to relocate the monument to the cemetery, a more suitable location on our campus.
As part of this procedural action, the IHL board did not vote on the proposal and asked the university to provide a full report on progress made toward implementing the recommendations of the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on History and Contextualization, which included recommendations involving the cemetery. We will provide this report to the board members and work with them to address any concerns that they have.
Our governing body – the IHL board – has exclusive authority to relocate the statue. A report to the board is required before we can re-submit our relocation proposal for future consideration.
We are committed to working with the board to accomplish our goal of relocating the monument. We appreciate all of the work that our campus constituents and others have put forward on this important issue for our university.
Our university leadership will keep you informed and provide further updates as this process continues.
Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor
Update on Monument Relocation Plan – Dec. 6, 2019
Dear UM students, faculty and staff,
This message is an update on the process to relocate the Confederate monument on campus.
Today, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) notified the university that its board unanimously approved the proposed relocation plan. This plan included descriptions of the administrative, architectural and engineering specifications required for work on historical structures. We appreciate the work to develop the required documentation for this submission and ensure that the plan abides by state rules, regulations, and policies governing construction projects on our campus. We also appreciate MDAH for its review and approval of our proposed plan.
As mentioned in previous messages to our campus community, the next step involves the submission of an agenda item from the university to the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) to request approval to proceed with the relocation. MDAH approval was required before the request could be submitted to IHL. With MDAH approval in hand, we will move forward.
Our university leadership will keep you informed as the relocation process continues and will provide further updates moving forward.
Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor
Update to UM Community on the Confederate Monument – Oct. 15, 2019
Dear UM faculty, staff and students,
We have committed to be transparent about the monument and its relocation. Last Monday (October 7), I received confirmation from our Facilities Planning Department that Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) has the monument slated to be on its December agenda.
Based on when we submitted the request, MDAH had initially anticipated it being on its December agenda. MDAH has informed us that, “with the complexity of the move, both the development and the review of the specs have taken longer than we had anticipated.” MDAH has indicated that they are “on track for December.”
If we receive any further updates, we will let you know.
Noel E. Wilkin, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Message to UM Community From Interim Chancellor Larry Sparks – Aug. 28, 2019
Dear students, faculty and staff,As we begin the academic year, it is important for you to know about the progress that has been made to relocate the Confederate monument to the cemetery on campus, which is a more suitable location. The steps to relocate the monument are as follows.
- Submit a letter of intent to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) – Completed March 20, 2019
- Review meeting with MDAH – Completed April 2, 2019
- Contract with a firm to develop necessary plans – Completed June 3, 2019
- Develop the relocation and placement plans and drawings, and conduct site work to the required administrative, architectural, and engineering specifications – Completed August 27, 2019
- Submit relocation and reinstallation plans to MDAH for consideration – Completed August 27, 2019
- You can review the drawings and specifications for the proposed plan.
- Remaining steps – consideration and decision by MDAH; if approved by MDAH, submission of agenda item to Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) that includes MDAH approval; hire a contractor to perform the work
I am pleased that the plan and necessary drawings are complete, and I appreciate all of the work to develop the required documentation for submission. As we move toward this important change for our university, the university administration remains committed to abiding by the state rules and laws and IHL policies that govern all construction projects on our campus.
We are following the steps necessary for successful relocation and will maintain steady and committed progress to accomplish this relocation. I reiterate that this will place the monument in a more suitable location, one that is commensurate with the purpose that is etched on its side.
I wish you all a successful academic year as we continue efforts to make our campus a positive, productive, and welcoming educational environment for every student who joins our community of scholars seeking truth, knowledge, and wisdom.
Sincerely,
Larry D. Sparks
Interim Chancellor
Chancellor’s Statement On The Monument – March 21, 2019
Shortly before spring break, the Associated Student Body, Graduate Student Council, Faculty Senate, Staff Council, and other campus constituents carefully considered the Confederate monument and its location on our campus. The recommendations made by these University entities, and sent to us by other internal and external groups, indicate that the most suitable campus location for this monument is not its current site on University Circle.
The shared governance process has demonstrated that our campus constituents are in alignment, and we agree that the monument should be relocated to a more suitable location. University leaders have consulted with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and the staff of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, and we have a clear understanding of the steps and approvals necessary for relocation.
The university has submitted a notice of intent to the Department of Archives and History. The process to secure the necessary approvals for this relocation will require some time.
We will work diligently toward this goal by respecting and abiding by state rules, regulations, and policies that govern the process of relocation, and by continuing to provide updates to the university community as the process moves forward.
This is an important decision for our university. The monument, its meaning, and its location have been a point of discussion and debate for many years. Thank you for the thoughtful and diligent consideration of this matter and your recommendations.
Sincerely,
Larry D. Sparks
Interim Chancellor
Statement from Interim Chancellor Larry Sparks on Student Resolutions – March 7, 2019
We appreciate the thoughtful and deliberate consideration that the student groups have given to formulating, debating, and passing their resolutions recommending relocation of the monument. This is an important decision and issue for our university. We understand that other campus constituents are considering resolutions, and once received, we will take those under consideration as well.
In order to relocate the monument, the university would need to submit an agenda item to the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi State Institutions of Higher Learning for consideration. Prior to that, the university would need to develop its justification that the cemetery is a suitable location, as required by the statute, and consult with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History due to the landmark status of the monument. We anticipate hearing from other campus constituents in the coming weeks.
Larry D. Sparks
Interim Chancellor