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Chancellor Jones Announces Plan for Leadership on Race Issues and Diversity

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UM to Add Diversity Vice Chancellor, Change Confederate Drive Name, Put Historical Symbols in Modern Context, and More

Plaques or signage are planned to help put historical markers, such as this confederate soldier statue, in modern context.

Plaques or signage are planned to help put historical markers, such as this confederate soldier statue, in modern context.



Ole Miss Chancellor Dan Jones this morning will announce a six-point wide-reaching plan that includes the employment of a new Vice Chancellor For Diversity and the placement of plaques at racially divisive sites to add modern context to their symbolism. He also defined a shift in the common use of the term “Ole Miss” for close identification with athletics and school spirit.
The plan also calls for more education of students in racial history, changing the street name of Confederate Drive to Chapel Lane, changing Coliseum Drive to Roy Lee “Chucky” Mullins Drive and an effort to have students make an early commitment to diversity.
“I don’t expect everyone to agree with this plan,” Chancellor Jones said. “Some will think these actions don’t go far enough — and others will wonder why we have to bring up race again. So far, in this process, even when people have broadly disagreed, they have been civil in their discourse. That’s my hope for the reaction to this announcement.”
Oxford Alderman Jay Hughes had this reaction to the plan: “I absolutely support the university doing whatever it can to attempt to increase diversity and avoid conflict. However, we need to be mindful that the more we pretend our past does not exist, the more likely we are to repeat it.”
The Chancellor said the new vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion will be selected after a nationwide search. “The job description, title and responsibilities for this high-level position will be established during the fall semester,” he said. “Although we have a chief diversity officer now, our overall efforts have been dispersed.”
As lieutenant governor, Paul B. Johnson was a prominent figure in attempting to block James Meredith from entering Ole Miss.

As lieutenant governor, Paul B. Johnson was a prominent figure in attempting to block James Meredith from entering Ole Miss.


Confederate Drive, a stretch of road that begins after crossing Fraternity Road from Chapel Drive, and ends at the Tad Smith Coliseum, will be re-named, Chancellor Jones added, to reflect the road’s starting point in front of the University Chapel.
Besides this change, no names of campus icons associated with the civil war and Jim Crow-era Mississippi government officials such as segregationist Governors James Vardaman and Paul Johnson, Jr. will be changed. Instead plaques will be placed to put those names, says Chancellor Jones, in  “historical context and perspective.” These sites include Vardaman Hall, Johnson Commons, and the confederate statue at the entrance to the Lyceum Circle.
The approach of adding historical commentary and contemporary perspective to civil war-related memorials, names and icons has been pioneered by one of the consultants the university turned to in the aftermath of the Meredith Statue defacement of Feb. 9.
Ed Ayers, president of the University of Richmond, is a noted historian and writer who has argued that southern cities and universities should acknowledge the wrongs of slavery and of opposition to the civil rights movement — not by trying to erase the symbols of that dark past, but by placing them in historical context. ““The North did not fight at first to end slavery,” says the award-winning Civil War historian, “but the South did fight to protect slavery,” Ayers is quoted as saying in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Ayers was instrumental in having a statue of famous tennis champion and Richmond native Arthur Ashe built on a Richmond thoroughfare populated with monuments to Civil War confederate generals. Ayers’ vision, referenced in the Chancellor’s report, is to balance history with “contemporary context for symbols and adding new symbols more representative of the city’s current culture.”
Others consulting with the university included Christy Coleman, a leader in Richmond’s Civil War Museum, and Gregory Vincent, vice president for Diversity and Community Engagement at the University of Texas.
Paul B. Johnson Commons will not be renamed, but will bear a plaque to add modern context to its history.

Paul B. Johnson Commons will not be renamed, but will bear a plaque to add context to its history.


An example of the idea of balancing historical icons with contemporary symbols of African-American courage can be found in one of the action plan’s recommendations. Though not currently named for anything related to the Civil War or Jim Crow, Coliseum Drive will need a new name in light of the forthcoming demolition of C. M. Tad Smith Coliseum; the street will be renamed Roy Lee “Chucky” Mullins Drive in honor of the African-American Ole Miss football player who eventually died after a suffering a paralyzing injury on the field.
Confederate Drive will be renamed Chapel Lane.

Confederate Drive will be renamed Chapel Lane.


In another action plan point that may prove controversial, Chancellor Jones announced that the term Ole Miss would be primarily used in connection with the school’s athletic program and to reflect the “broad spirit” of the university, but not used prominently in reference to academics.
“Some faculty are uncomfortable with (the term “Ole Miss”) — either because they see it as a nickname or because they believe it has racial overtones,” he said. “Our research indicates that the term “Ole Miss” is beloved by the vast majority of students, faculty, alumni and university supporters. We’ll use the University of Mississippi in most academic applications.”
Other points in the action plan, which is a continuation of the recommendations advanced by the Extended Sensitivity and Respect Committee that started in late 2012, represent a commitment to deal honestly with race and diversity issues. Chancellor Jones says this will happen through leadership offered by the new vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion supporting active research and cooperating with promising efforts such as the William Winter Institute for Racial Diversity and the forming-this-fall Center for Inclusion and Cross Cultural Engagement.
Also in the plan is a call to increase commitment to racial, ethnic, and lifestyle diversity from all students, especially incoming freshman.
Named for segregationist Governor James Vardaman from the early 1900s, this building will bear new signage to add modern context

Named for segregationist Governor James Vardaman from the early 1900s, this building will bear new signage to add historical context


“If you look at the incidents that have been reported in the press, the vast majority have involved freshman,” Chancellor Jones said. “We have to more effectively deal with the reality that many of our students come to us with very little exposure to cross-cultural experience. Many have attended high schools and lived in communities that were virtually segregated in their opportunities to interact with people of different races and backgrounds. We hope to welcome them to here and quickly expose them to pathways that embrace our values in support of human dignity that is expressed in our creed.”
HottyToddy.com contacted a few readers to get their reactions to the plan.
“I think renaming certain areas of Ole Miss is good for change,” said alumnus Bill Perry, Jr., a pianist and composer living in Oxford, who has helped raise funds for music education camps at the university though showings of his exploratory jazz/visual project Mother Universe and All Her Children. “A modern contemporary perspective would be good to show Ole Miss is moving in a progressive direction. I also think it’s good to have diversity added to the oath of this university. It’s time for the rest of the nation to see that this college is moving forward and doing what is necessary to create an atmosphere of inclusion.”
Jeremy Cooker graduated Ole Miss in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism, during an era when the use of the confederate flag by fans at football games was a hot-button issue. “These changes feel like a natural evolution for a progressive university with a racially charged past,” said Cooker, who is director of marketing and special projects for New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation. “What’s being proposed now seems like it’s long overdue. They can put this part of the past in some kind of historical context for people to learn from it, but it’s time to move on.”
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Following is the full statement released by the University:
UM Announces Plan for Leadership on Issues of Race and Diversity
Chancellor releases report on campus environment, creates new position of vice chancellor for diversity
OXFORD, Miss. – University of Mississippi Chancellor Dan Jones has released a comprehensive action plan for fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment on campus.
The recommendations are the fruit of a study of wide-ranging opinions on campus culture from students, faculty and administrators, which were paired with input from respected consultants. The plan includes a new position of vice chancellor for diversity and a variety of initiatives focused on inclusion and race relations.
Last summer, an expanded Sensitivity and Respect Committee completed its review of the university’s environment on race and diversity. After the committee’s report, consultants Ed Ayers and Christy Coleman of Richmond, Virginia, were brought in to study the effect on campus culture of building names and campus symbols tied to historical issues of slavery and segregation. Consultant Greg Vincent, who led the University of Texas in addressing issues of diversity and inclusion, was hired to analyze the university’s organizational structure and how it relates to diversity and inclusion.
The consultants submitted reports on their interviews with members of the campus community, as well as recommendations based on their experiences with similar issues. Jones complimented the work of the university community and consultants in generating the ideas included in the action plan.
“The reports from everyone involved were candid and thoughtful in suggesting that more can be done here to improve our environment for diversity and inclusion,” Jones said.
“It is my hope that the steps outlined here – reflecting the hard work of university committees and our consultants – will prove valuable in making us a stronger and healthier university, bringing us closer to our goal of being a warm and welcoming place for every person every day, regardless of race, religious preference, country of origin, ability, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or gender expression.”
Jones said he knows that some people will find parts of the recommendations that they like and some they don’t. “Every idea was not included, but I’m confident everyone involved will find evidence of their substantial contributions.
“There were and will continue to be differences of opinion among us. But, I am encouraged that while our discussions over recent months were frank, even tough, they also were civil and respectful. My very sincere thanks go out to all of those who demonstrated these values throughout the process.”
The process was designed to gather as broad a range of opinion as possible, the chancellor said.
“It was important that we hear from everyone who loves this university,” he said. “Too often when viewpoints are wide-ranging, nuanced and emotional, the easy answer for leaders is a non-decision, freezing people at a point in time and putting progress off to another day. To me, that is not leadership. And our mission as a university is to lead.”
The plan involves six steps, with more initiatives expected when the new vice chancellor position is filled:
1. Create a vice chancellor-level position for diversity and inclusion. UM’s provost will create a specific position title, portfolio, set of responsibilities and initial budget for a new administrative position. The job will be created after consultation with faculty and will be subject to approval by the university’s governing board. A search committee will be formed to begin work during the fall semester.
2. Establish a portfolio model of diversity and engagement. As part of the creation of the job description for the new vice chancellor position, a set of standards for diversity and engagement will be drafted for the university to follow moving forward.
3. Deal squarely with the issue of race while also addressing other dimensions of diversity.
“We look forward to a day when it is the norm to embrace and celebrate our differences, when our country and state have become a truly post-racial society,” Jones said. “But that day has not yet arrived. Clearly, there are still issues regarding race that our country must address. And we will need to continue a dialogue on race at our university. Our unique history regarding race provides not only a larger responsibility for providing leadership on race issues, but also a large opportunity – one we should and will embrace.”
A faculty group focused on UM’s history with slavery began work last year. The initiative is an example of the kind of scholarly leadership UM can provide on the issue, Jones said, voicing renewed commitment to the work of the university’s William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation. He also said the new vice chancellor for diversity will be engaged in efforts to address issues of race and diversity and will work with existing campus organizations, such as the Critical Race Studies Group, that have focused on these issues.
4. Implement a symbolic and formal dedication of all new students to the ideals of inclusion and fairness to which UM is devoted.
The UM Creed was adopted as a means of communicating and cultivating the university’s core values. A public university can’t require a pledge or oath as a condition of enrollment. It can and will work with students and others to pursue methods of elevating and strengthening the UM community with the creed’s values. The university’s vice chancellor for student affairs will implement this recommendation.
5. Offer more history, putting the past into context, telling more of the story of Mississippi’s struggles with slavery, secession, segregation and their aftermath.
Consultants cited Richmond, one of capitals of the Confederacy, as a good example of appropriately addressing a negative history. City leaders opted not to erase history, even some of the more difficult parts of it, and chose not to remove existing statues and building names. Instead, the city has balanced its presentation of history by offering broader, contemporary context for symbols and adding new symbols more representative of the city’s current culture.  An example of that approach already implemented at UM is the statue honoring James Meredith, the university’s first African-American student. Additional opportunities with more contemporary symbols lie ahead, and the new vice chancellor will be engaged in long-term evaluation of those recommendations. Until the new vice chancellor is hired, that job will be handled by the provost and the assistant to the chancellor for multicultural affairs.
Among buildings and symbols that will be evaluated for plaques adding context and perspective are Vardaman Hall, the ballroom in Johnson Commons and the
Confederate statue at the entrance to Lyceum Circle.  Several steps have been taken already:
– The entrance of the Manning Center was recently designated the Williams-Reed Foyer in honor of Ben Williams and James Reed, the university’s first two black football players. Jones thanked Athletics Director Ross Bjork and head football coach Hugh Freeze for their leadership in the recommendation.
– The new Center for Inclusion and Cross Cultural Engagement opens this fall in Stewart Hall. The center, which will move later to the renovated and expanded Student Union, enhances the quantity and quality of programming and leadership initiatives for underrepresented students.
– Coliseum Drive will need a new name when the Tad Smith Coliseum is replaced with the new basketball arena. A recommendation from the UM Alumni Association and the M-Club to rename it “Roy Lee ‘Chucky’ Mullins Drive” has been adopted. Mullins, a black football player who was paralyzed and later died, became a unifying symbol of an indomitable human spirit at the university.
– Confederate Drive, which enters Fraternity Row, will be renamed “Chapel Lane.”
6. Appropriate use of the name “Ole Miss.” UM’s longstanding nickname is beloved by the vast majority of its students and alumni. But a few, especially some university faculty, are uncomfortable with it. Some don’t want it used at all and some simply don’t want it used within the academic context.
The university completed a national study about the name “Ole Miss” during the last year and found the vast majority of respondents don’t attach any meaning to it other than an affectionate name for the university. In fact, a significant margin likes and prefers the “Ole Miss” name. And a very small percentage of respondents associate the university, either as “Ole Miss” or “University of Mississippi,” with negative race issues.
Both names will be used in appropriate contexts going forward, with particular emphasis going to “Ole Miss” in athletics and as a representation of the university’s spirit. Other campus efforts already in place will continue to grow
The action plan includes a wide variety of other initiatives launched even as the study of campus environment was underway, including creation of the Bias Incident Response Team, diversity training for employees, construction of a National Pan-Hellenic Council garden representing the history and campus engagement of historically black fraternities and sororities, periodic surveys to monitor the campus environment, and various programs to enhance student success.
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The University of Mississippi sent the following memo to supporters on Friday, August 1:
Action Plan on Consultant Reports and Update on the Work of the Sensitivity and Respect Committee
To: All Who Love The University of Mississippi From: Dan Jones, Chancellor
Aug. 1, 2014
In the summer of 2013, an expanded Sensitivity and Respect (S&R) Committee completed its review of the university’s environment on race and related issues. Following the committee’s report, two consultants with relevant experience at major universities were assigned separate but complementary tasks. One was charged with evaluating the University of Mississippi’s organizational structure related to diversity and inclusion, and the other explored issues the committee raised concerning building names and symbols. (Both consultant reports are attached.) We are grateful for the good work of the S&R Committee and our independent advisors. Consultants Ed Ayers and Christy Coleman have been leaders in Richmond, VA, in establishing a more balanced view of history for that community, where symbolism has been a prominent topic.
Their recommendations encourage us to broaden the visible symbols of our history to be more intentionally inclusive. Greg Vincent offers insight about our organizational structure out of his own experience reorganizing the approach at the University of Texas, where they adopted several time-tested practices implemented at other flagship universities, including creation of a new senior level leadership position with a focus on diversity.
Both of these reports are candid in suggesting that more can be done here to improve our environment for diversity and inclusion. Both also note the good work and positive spirit for continued progress in our university. Our success in improving diversity within our faculty and student body has been dramatic, but we can do more. And despite negative publicity related to recent bias-related incidents, it is good news that the number of minority applicants to the university continues to increase each year. In addition, the improvement in diversity within our faculty has been extraordinary, placing us among the top three flagship universities in the nation in percentage of African American faculty members. Still, we can and will do more.
It is my hope that the action plan outlined here – reflecting the hard work of the S&R Committee and our consultants – will prove valuable in making us a stronger and healthier university, bringing us closer to our goal of being a warm and welcoming place for every person every day, regardless of race, religious preference, country of origin, ability, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or gender expression. We know that the issues discussed here are associated with many evolving attitudes and opinions. There were and will continue to be differences of opinion among us. But I am encouraged that while our discussions over recent months were frank, even tough, they also were civil and respectful. My very sincere thanks go out to all of those who demonstrated these values throughout the process.
People with different views will likely find parts of this action plan they like and other parts they do not. Some will agree or disagree with individual comments reported by our consultants. As our consultants noted and as readers should remember, the comments reported here did not result from scientific research or a random sample. They are thoughts from people who felt strongly about the issues we have faced as a university, people who were encouraged to be candid. To whatever degree they do or do not reflect majority opinion, they are important views to air. It was important that we hear from everyone who loves this university. Too often when viewpoints are wide-ranging and emotional, the easy answer for leaders is a non-decision, freezing people at a point in time and putting progress off to another day. To me, that is not leadership. And our mission as a university is to lead.
Whatever the views may be on different aspects of this report, I am hopeful that people who read it and find places to agree or disagree will honor a process that encouraged honest dialogue and valued every idea. I am also hopeful that with decisions made, we have found common ground to move this university forward.
With many months of hard work behind us, we now have a strong foundation for the work ahead. I’ll count on your help in making this plan the success I know it can be.
Following are the six specific recommendations from our consultants and the action plan for each:
1. Create a vice chancellor level position for diversity and inclusion at The University of Mississippi.
The Provost is charged with creating a specific position title, portfolio, set of responsibilities, and initial budget for this new administrative position. He will work within policy for creating a new position, including consultation with the faculty and approval by our governing board. He will appoint a search committee to begin work within the Fall 2014 semester.
2. The University of Mississippi should establish a portfolio model of diversity and engagement.
See response to recommendation 1.
3. The University of Mississippi must deal squarely with the issue of race while also addressing the other dimensions of diversity. This point is important for all of us to grasp. We look forward to a day when it is the norm to embrace and celebrate our differences, when our country and state have become a truly post-racial society. But that day has not yet arrived. Clearly, there are still issues regarding race that our country must address. And we will need to continue a dialogue on race at our university. Our unique history regarding race provides not only a larger responsibility for providing leadership on race issues, but also a large opportunity – one we should and will embrace. The faculty group focusing on our history with slavery began its work during the last year, and it is a healthy example of the kind of scholarly leadership we can provide. The work of the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation must and will continue, as well. And with advice and support from the new vice chancellor, important work (such as the Critical Race Studies Group) can be supported further and encouraged. This will be an important part of the responsibilities for the new vice chancellor.
4. The University should consider a symbolic and formal dedication of all new students to the ideals of inclusion and fairness to which the University of Mississippi is devoted.
The UM Creed was adopted by our community for this purpose – as a means of communicating and cultivating our community’s core values. Even though as a public university we cannot require any sort of pledge or oath as a condition of enrollment, working with current students and others we will pursue ways to elevate and imbue our community with the values of the Creed through a variety of means, ranging from the formal and ceremonial to the common and pervasive. The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs is charged with implementation of this recommendation.
5. We recommend that the University offer more history, putting the past into context, telling more of the story of Mississippi’s struggles with slavery, secession, segregation, and their aftermath.
Decisions made in the city of Richmond, VA, offer an enlightened example for us. Without attempts to erase history, even some difficult history, and without removing existing statues and building names, the city has moved toward balancing the way its history is represented by offering context for symbols and adding meaningful new symbols. Some of this kind of work began on our campus with the erection of the Meredith statue. Further opportunities lay ahead.
The new vice chancellor will be charged with the long-term management of this recommendation. Until that selection is complete, the Provost and the Assistant to the Chancellor for Multicultural Affairs are charged to lead this effort.
These university leaders should seek suggestions from various interested constituency groups regarding future naming opportunities for centers, buildings, etc., that will lead to a fuller expression of our history. These constituency groups might include, among others, the Faculty Senate, Staff Council, the Associated Student Body, Black Student Union, Alumni Association, Black Alumni Association, the Isom Center, The Winter Institute, and the Center for Inclusion & Cross Cultural Engagement.
They also should initiate an effort to provide contemporary context for some of our existing symbols and names, which are too often viewed as an endorsement of ancient ideas. Any and all symbols and buildings may benefit from this, but some to consider in the early stages include Vardaman Hall, the ballroom in Johnson Commons, and the Confederate Statue. This might be done in a number of ways, including accompanying plaques that provide context and an educational opportunity for students and campus visitors who are interested in our history.
Some immediate steps are being taken to begin the process:
• The entrance of the newly named Manning Center was recently designated the Williams-Reed Foyer. This designation recognizes Ben Williams and James Reed, the first two African American football players at the university. Thanks to Ross Bjork, Hugh Freeze, and others in athletics for their leadership in creating this recognition.
• The new Center for Inclusion and Cross – Cultural Engagement will open in fall 2014 in Stewart Hall and later in the renovated and expanded Student Union, enhancing the quantity and quality of programming and leadership initiatives for underrepresented students. Our students have been and will continue to be instrumental in developing this campus resource.
• We will move forward with changes to two street names. Coliseum Drive will need a new name when the Tad Smith Coliseum is replaced with our new basketball arena. On a recommendation from the University of Mississippi Alumni Association and the M-Club, at the appropriate time the street currently known as Coliseum Drive will be renamed “Roy Lee ‘Chucky’ Mullins Drive.” The spirit of Chucky Mullins is a great unifying force for our university. A second street name change will extend the use of “Chapel Lane” to the single block on the opposite side of Fraternity Row previously named “Confederate Drive”.
6. We recommend that the University consider the implications of calling itself “Ole Miss” in various contexts.
Our longstanding nickname is beloved by the vast majority of our students and alumni. A few, especially among our faculty, are uncomfortable using the term “Ole Miss” – some at all, and some within the academic context. Some object simply because it is a nickname and prefer the more formal name, and some express concern about its origin, believing that the term is racist.
Some of what was learned about the “Ole Miss” name over the last year or so, in a purposeful evaluation, includes:
• The vast majority of current students of all races embraces the name and does not attach any meaning to it other than an affectionate name for the university.
• National research revealed that there is no greater association with negative racial history for either “University of Mississippi” or “Ole Miss.” In fact, a significant margin likes and prefers the “Ole Miss” name. And a very small percentage of respondents associate the university with negative race issues, whatever the name.
• Regardless of its origin, the vast majority of those associated with our university has a strong affection for “Ole Miss” and do not associate its use with race in any way. And the vast majority of those who view us from a distance associate the term “Ole Miss” with a strong, vibrant, modern university – and the Manning family, The Blind Side, The 2008 Presidential Debate, and great sports teams.
We are fortunate to have a highly favorable national reputation for our university, especially our fine academic programs. Applications and enrollment continue to soar. The quality of our applicants improves every year. And the affectionate term “Ole Miss” is and will continue to be an important part of our national identity.
To address some concerns, the Provost and Chief Communications Officer are charged with developing a plan to provide guidance on best uses of the terms “The University of Mississippi” and “Ole Miss.” This plan should broadly follow traditional convention that the term “Ole Miss” is strongly associated with athletics and the broad “spirit” of the university (e.g. the alma mater), and “The University of Mississippi” is strongly associated with the academic context.
University Communications will continue to offer a choice of stationary and name cards that reflect only the use of “The University of Mississippi” without reference to nicknames.
Additional Work of the Sensitivity and Respect Committee
The work of the Sensitivity and Respect Committee has continued on several fronts, with important progress to report.
• The Bias Incidence Response Team (BIRT) was created during the summer of 2013, with a charge to affirm the Creed when incidents of bias arise. This inter-disciplinary team investigates, reports and offers educational outcomes when legal or conduct options are not available. Its goal is to promote educationally driven outcomes that enable students, faculty and staff to learn about discriminatory behavior and language.
• The University of Mississippi Police Department (UPD) provided diversity training for 67 employees, involving experts from the U.S. Department of Justice, and established a process for diversity training for all new hires.
• The Student Affairs division partnered with the Winter Institute to expand diversity training initiatives, with 32 percent of staff having now completed training and all scheduled to complete the program by 2015. Other divisions across campus are being encouraged to schedule training, as well.
• Renderings are being developed to incorporate a National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) garden between Northgate Drive and the new residential facility being constructed beside Crosby hall. This student-centered area will be a visible monument that represents the important history and critical campus engagement opportunities afforded by our historically black fraternities and sororities. The timeline for completion is uncertain at the early part of the planning phases, but our hope is to begin work after the residence hall opens in fall 2015.
• The Diverse Learning Environment Survey was administered to all sophomores and juniors in the spring of 2013. It will be repeated every three years as a means of measuring campus climate; results will be presented to the S&R Committee.
• A variety of student-focused efforts have been initiated, including enhanced academic advising and support for participants in the Ole Miss Opportunity (OMO) program, increased focus on building relationships with high schools having a high minority concentration, and mandatory “Respect the M” sessions at Orientation, covering both academic and behavioral expectations. EDHE 105 and the related text have been enhanced, resulting in a common curriculum across all sections to uniformly discuss race and sexual orientation. An extended orientation and leadership development training program will be offered as a pilot beginning in the fall of 2015, focusing on diversity training, team building, university history and leadership development.
• To create a culture of research excellence related to race, the Critical Race Studies group invited as its keynote speaker the author Craig Steven Wilder, who wrote Ebony and Ivy. In addition, our faculty is creating an inventory of University of Mississippi race-related research. With the assistance of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, a group of 10 UM investigators spanning seven academic and administrative units are collaborating to develop a National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) proposal. This certificate program that would prepare STEM graduate students to take culturally responsive, multi-method, and interdisciplinary approaches in research, addressing racial and other disparities in disaster readiness and response.
April 8, 2014
Dr. Daniel W. Jones, Chancellor The University of Mississippi Office of the Chancellor
P.O. Box 1848
Lyceum 123
University, MS 38677-1848
Dear Dr. Jones,
Thank you again for the invitation to join the University in a series of conversations to reflect upon the impact of Confederate symbols, segregationist history, and racially insensitive incidents that have recurred on your campus. We are grateful for the opportunity to share some thoughts occasioned by our visit and to offer suggestions about how best to move the community closer to its core values. We heard many times that those values include respect for all individuals and groups, inclusiveness in its student body, faculty and staff, and a civil community of shared governance and collaborative endeavors.
Allow us to begin with a few words of background. As we mentioned to each group, we are by no means organizational, diversity, or crisis management consultants. Instead, we have simply worked in our own community to raise the conversation about how the historical past plays an active role in how those within and outside the community view it. For decades, Richmond was marketed and identified as the “Capital of the Confederacy” and the anchor of the “Glorious Lost Cause.” As such, our city has vast monuments devoted to the Confederate heroes, with numerous roads, schools and public buildings named for them as well. It has only been in the past ten to fifteen years that Richmond has begun to honor its richly diverse past.
On the eve of the Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War, Richmond’s cultural, academic, tourism and nonprofit organizations wanted to seize the opportunity to ensure that any commemoration of this seminal event reflected the highest levels of scholarship, had a comprehensive historical narrative, and shared with the world that Richmond is a dynamic and desirable place to visit and live in the twenty-first century. A series of community conversations focused on history and contemporary issues led to a number of important public initiatives, cultural programs, and dynamic partnerships. While there is certainly much more to be accomplished, Richmond has emerged a stronger place. Named by Frommer’s as a “must see’” destination for 2014, Richmond’s historical narrative and cultural assets have placed it among fourteen cities worldwide to earn this distinction.
We applaud the University of Mississippi for the steps taken over the years to begin a series of conversations around how its symbols have shaped and limited its community. The decision to bring outsiders into your process could be perceived as risky, but it may also enable participants to be more candid. During the course of our visit, it was abundantly clear that the community of faculty, staff, students and alumni are passionate and dedicated to creating a campus environment that is not just diverse but truly inclusive. Through the course of our conversations, a common theme emerged that reflects a desire by all to work with administration to find meaningful solutions to the ongoing issues that plague the University. There was also frustration, however, that current efforts seemed slow and ineffective in ensuring that those who breach the social contract by their discriminatory actions are dealt with appropriately.
We thank you again for the invitation to listen and to reflect on what we experienced. The following pages represent our recommendations on how you may move forward.
Sincerely, Edward L. Ayers Christy Coleman
Three recommendations to the University of Mississippi
Our recommendations respond to what we heard during our conversations with various groups at the University, conversations described later in this document. While individuals in each conversation voiced different perspectives, in the aggregate the conversations pointed toward several kinds of changes that might help the University move beyond the cycle of dispiriting and disturbing events that have recurred over the years despite heartening improvements in many facets of the University’s life.
Our charge was to focus on history, on symbols, and on monuments and so we have shaped our recommendations around those issues while recognizing that other kinds of changes could also bring improvement. Everyone at the University recognizes that symbolism matters, for good and for ill.
Our first recommendation is that the University consider a symbolic and formal dedication of all new students to the ideals of inclusion and fairness to which the University of Mississippi is devoted. We envision a public, solemn, and meaningful ceremony at which new students sign a pledge that they will abide by the highest principles of their schools. The pledge’s words, in turn, will appear in every classroom at the institution and serve as a touchstone for all who belong to the University, including current students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
While such a pledge is no panacea, of course, its creation would offer the University an opportunity at the outset of every student’s time at Mississippi to make clear just how seriously everyone in the University community takes these principles. Powerful speakers—including students, faculty, and alumni—could honestly confront the issues that have torn at the University of Mississippi for the last half century and tell students that they have the opportunity and the obligation to stop the cycle.
The Creed is an excellent start, focusing on the positive attributes the University instills. Its language of “I believe,” however, lacks the more active language of “I pledge” or “I promise.” A stronger pledge could reinforce the courses that entering students take at Mississippi, providing a more engaged way for students to respond to the information and insight conveyed in those classes. It could be adopted and promoted by the fraternities and sororities, by athletic teams and student organization, by alumni groups and staff organizations in which many in the Mississippi community locate their identities. It would give these groups that need to lead the opportunity to do so, among and beyond their own constituencies.
Many details would need to be determined about the pledge, of course, but the very process of debate would be healthy. At the very least, the most recent and sophisticated scholarship on this issue demonstrates that a university-wide code or pledge, repeated in many places and at many times, creates an awareness and an impact that radiates throughout the institution’s life. Whether the code would be expanded to include academic honor or other ideals could also be a productive topic of discussion.
Our second recommendation grows directly from our charge to think about symbolism embodied in names, monuments, and other historical symbols. We recommend that the University offer more history, putting the past into context, telling more of the story of Mississippi’s struggles with slavery, secession, segregation, and their aftermath. Such work would provide a more coherent narrative than currently exists, in which several isolated monuments, including the Confederate Memorial and the James Meredith monument, seem to stand at polar opposites, with vast blank spaces of time and struggle missing. People are not told in any meaningful way about the world of slavery in which the University began, the decision for secession that shaped everything that followed, or the segregation that dominated life in the South for a century after the Civil War. People are not shown how white and black Mississippians lived with these institutions and decisions, what their implications were, how people fought against racial division and for the ideals the University now embodies.
We can imagine interpretive panels at important places around the University, made interesting and engaging with photographs and well-written text, that tell of the way things used to be and how they have changed. Panels are commonly used in different kinds of settings throughout the nation to interpret public spaces in ways that enrich them. The panels can offer humane connections with actual people with actual names who struggled with their own times just as we struggle with our own.
The tours of the campus offered to prospective students, visitors, and alumni could also do a better job of interpreting the history of the place in a coherent and powerful way. The University needs to tell its story in an open, honest, and compassionate way. Simply trying to put its past behind it or to pretend that only the welcome parts existed will not work.
Our third recommendation involves the nickname of the institution, a symbol evoked thousands of times every day. Some see the nickname of “Ole Miss” as a kind of glue that binds people together across divisions of age, race, gender, and time. Others see the nickname as a symbol that holds the University back; building a dialect version of “old” into an institution that is built to prepare for the future strikes them as inherently problematic. Some of those who love “Ole Miss” recognize that the name grew from an antebellum past of slavery; some think it has been transcended by the progress of the decades since the University’s integration while others think that it continually pulls Mississippi back into the past. Many people we met are reluctant to talk about the name, regardless of their own thoughts, knowing that it is beloved by many alumni and inscribed in the University’s popular identity.
Recognizing these differences, we recommend that the University consider the implications of calling itself “Ole Miss” in various contexts. A nickname cannot carry the weight and gravity of the state’s name or convey the seriousness of purpose that an important institution of research, health care, and social mission deserves. In interactions involving grant proposals, job applications, or letters of recommendation in particular, we were told, faculty, staff, and students chafe at having the email address read “olemiss.edu.” They think the University should identify itself as “umiss.edu” in such contexts. This does seem worth considering for official University business and the University might well consider making “Mississippi” or the “The University of Mississippi” the default. The nickname could be reserved, as it is for almost all other universities, for athletics and alumni relations.
These three recommendations are not the only things that could and should be done, of course, but they will be challenging and prompt action on them would demonstrate good will, honesty, and a sense of purpose by the University. Over time, we believe, meaningful outcomes from these recommendations could shape the culture and daily life of the University in helpful ways. This seems a propitious time for the University of Mississippi to embrace the best that it represents, symbolically as in other ways.
Summaries of conversations
In order to frame our recommendations, it is important that we share the substance of the discussions as well as other themes that emerged within each group. It is also important for the reader to understand that these groups were invited to meet with us because of particular work being done by each, or because of concerns previously expressed. It may be helpful to consider each a sample versus a comprehensive overview of sentiment held by the University community at large.
Southern Studies:
Faculty members wanted to make clear that the department is devoted to documenting southern culture, not “preserving it.” They emphasized that this distinction is critical because they believe that, outside the academic community, others incorrectly view their work as somehow reflecting the culture of “The Old South.” They noted that some students are drawn to their courses thinking that views of southern white heritage will be enhanced and reinforced, while other students avoid the department’s course offerings because of an expectation that “southern culture” is coded as white. The faculty and staff in Southern Studies believe that they can be a partner with the administration to reverse these mindsets through scholarship and community outreach. They would like to create more opportunities for collaboration with the African American Studies program, working on shared course offerings, programs and symposia.
On the specific questions that brought us to the University, faculty in Southern Studies believe that University should rename several of its streets, especially Confederate Way and Rebel Drive. They also find the name “Ole Miss” problematic, preferring to use “The University of Mississippi” instead. This was the first time we heard, but not the last, that some resented the fact that “olemiss.edu” was used for the email system versus “UMiss.edu.” They viewed the email address as a signal to the outside world that the university is a place that embraces notions of the old south and its historically exclusionary practices. This was the first time we heard, too, that the recurring racial incidents lead faculty and staff to feel that the campus is not a safe and nurturing place, but it would not be the last.
Student Leaders:
As the conversation began, this large, diverse, and impressive group of students were very positive about their impressions of campus life. They acknowledged the historical origins of the “Ole Miss” name yet believed that they now own the term and have attached new meaning to it. For them, “Ole Miss” is a community of people devoted to each other, to diversity, and to academic excellence. Therefore they had no desire to see the (nick)name changed.
When asked about symbolism, the students did want to see some street names changed as well as Vardaman and Johnson Halls. They made a useful distinction between symbols and monuments, with symbols representing what is valued now and monuments representing what the past considered valuable. One student even poignantly suggested that after 50 years, they wondered if “we love our symbols more than we love individuals.” As the conversation went on, a number of disturbing revelations began to emerge that gave us pause.
The majority of the students participating in the discussion were Mississippians, and they blamed the bulk of the racially insensitive flare ups on “outsiders.” They attributed this pattern to misconceptions held by out-of-state students who mistakenly assume the University is a place that embraces a racist ideology. The students viewed recent incidents as a form of lashing out brought on by the realization by those outsiders that their racist mindset and behavior are not acceptable to the majority.
Students told us that the proverbial elephant in the room was the Greek system. A number of students believe that the traditional fraternities and sororities serve as attractors, incubators, and protectors for students wedded to the symbols and beliefs of the South’s racist past. With few exceptions, the majority of the group, white and black, nodded in agreement. The African American students shared examples of indignities they have been subject to or witness of that involved the fraternities and sororities. Every black student in the room said that they had been called the “N-Word” at least once on campus.
From rejection of people of color into the organizations, chanting “The South will rise again” at sporting events, to hurling racist and sexual epithets at innocent passersby, the Greeks are viewed as a major problem. The group agreed that the Greeks are protected by generational wealth and privilege, with parents and older alumni demanding that new members adhere to the customs of the past. Effective policing of the fraternity’s behavior, students believe, is left to national organizations, with the University rarely stepping in to curb abuses.
As they considered how to improve the situation, the group recommended rethinking freshman orientation. Many of the students serve as ambassadors of one sort or another to help share what the university has to offer with others. They all expressed a desire to emphasize the university’s history, accomplishments and creed—to make clear that it is a thriving and modern university that is open and inclusive—despite the racial flashpoints. The student body president noted that they had taken upon themselves to reinforce the ideas expressed by the University Creed by hosting Creed Day, a celebration of the diversity of campus life. This effort was applauded, but students felt more could be done because they acknowledged a disconnection between the creed and tradition. The good news is that all prepared to help start new traditions.
Sensitivity and Respect Committee:
Given the work done by this committee, we felt it most useful to get feedback from them about what had been shared with us by the previous groups. We shared that the predominant themes heard at that point were a general comfort by students about “Ole Miss,” a desire by all to rethink university symbols, perceptions of “outsiders” as the source of trouble, and unregulated fraternities and sororities. After our remarks, Dr. Cole asked each attendee how they viewed the feedback given. Again, their responses were quite telling.
Several committee members were upset to learn that the students with whom we spoke, regardless of ethnicity, embraced the term “Ole Miss” and made a distinction between symbols and monuments. When asked if this could be simply a generational divide, several members of the group questioned the veracity of the students’ comments. When asked to speak more about campus symbols, several suggested that these symbols have a twofold impact. First, they attract students who embrace the ideology the symbols embody, or second, they keep broad-minded students from even considering Mississippi. The majority of the group believed that all divisive symbols should be removed without further delay. Some members also wanted to see new monuments or art work that counterbalances those symbols. New symbols should not just be directed at the historical or racial past, they said, but represent recent accomplishments made in education, research, medicine, and the arts at the University.
During the course of the conversation, an African American male student shared that he is in danger of losing a scholarship that he earned from a minority organization in his home community in Mississippi. He said the group no longer wanted to see their money spent at what they perceive to be an institution intent on protecting its racist elements by inaction exemplified by the continuing rash of incidents. He further explained that he has spent considerable time trying to get them to understand that the incidents, while disturbing, are not reflective of his experience at the University, but his sponsors are looking for tangible acts to correct these problems.
Several committee members said that they do not feel empowered nor do they believe the committee’s recommendations will be implemented. They would like to see the University take bold steps to make it known that these behaviors will not be tolerated. They want to see evidence that the University’s Creed enjoys support and benefits from enforcement. They would like to see more forums to stress the importance of an inclusive community that respects everyone. Most felt nothing substantive has happened since they issued their report. They are frustrated. Athletics, Development and Alumni Affairs
Among all the groups with whom we met, this was perhaps the one that has the most consistent contact with “external” communities that feel a connection to the University. The Athletics Department stated that they have been on the cutting edge of challenging the divisive symbols for quite some time. As such, their view is that things have been progressing. They acknowledged that incidents crop up from time to time, but attitudes are changing. A member shared that during a televised football game, they noticed a group of students preparing to unfurl a Confederate flag, but they were able to get to them and remove it. They said there are die-hards that want Colonel Reb and the flag, but those are no longer the university’s symbols. They are committed to that change.
The Development and Alumni Affairs staffed noted that Colonel Reb and the flag continue to be sore spots for them when they are out meeting with and soliciting donors. They stated that devoted alumni feel that the removal of these symbols was an assault on the history and heritage of the University. They said that alumni feel as though there is a gradual process of taking away the things they value and often ask staff, “what’s next? Ole Miss? Rebels?” Therefore they view any change in those two names as real deal breakers that could irreparably harm the University.
When asked to discuss other symbols on campus, the group felt there was great opportunity to name new facilities to honor exceptional people and diverse options were named. They also said there are ways in the athletic facilities to showcase much-beloved athletes in more prominent cases at the stadium and other facilities. They had little issue with renaming Vardaman Hall and feel that renaming the roads was really a non-issue; they thought it could be done without much resistance. They recommended that rather than take away monuments, the university should add more that reflect where the university is today. As we submit our report, we are pleased to hear of the renaming of the entrance of the athletics performance center for Ben Williams and James Reed.
When asked to respond to the suggestion of initiating an honor code of some type, the group as a whole was very supportive of having one. They said that students are ready and willing to be involved in such an effort. There are a number of groups on campus and among the alumni with a real hunger to do something positive to show the world that the University of Mississippi is a stellar community. By taking these types of steps, they felt it could show the world that they are serious about change.
Community Leaders and Alumni
This diverse and impressive group was eager to hear some of the feedback from the other meetings. In the course of the conversation, they said that the University has a responsibility to tell its full story, especially its progress in its diversity initiatives. They also stressed that it is important that the university not rest on mere statistics of success but recognize that the statistics don’t fully reflect the reality of life on campus for students.
The group also recognized the frustration that faculty, staff, and students have regarding their perception of the pace of change. They expressed their own concerns that the University seems to be in a reactive mode. They think that University communications should do a better job of getting in front of and controlling the narrative as well as the interpretation of the campus symbols. They believe that purposefully naming new facilities will help. But ultimately it is up to the university to tell its full story and develop a full plan of communication within and beyond the campus.
The group was very receptive to the idea of an honor code, student-led with faculty support. These leaders believe that the Creed is a valuable and underutilized asset that can be placed at the heart of that honor system. With the help of the Winter Institute, they told us, forums can educate faculty, staff, and students in how best to stand firm and fight for the values expressed in the University Creed. They are confident that there is unity among a variety of groups in the University community that can be leveraged to make this happen. Among other suggestions, the group said that in the short term the Creed should be prominent on the website, it should be given special note during parent and new student orientations, and that better use of social media to take advantage of the emphasis. Dr. Neff and Graduate Students
As we spoke with this group, it became apparent that they shared sentiments similar to those of the Center for Southern Studies with regard to symbols, monuments, and names on campus. Students agreed that the University may inadvertently be a magnet for those who believe it is a beacon for “southern heritage,” defined as white and exclusionary. The students believe that the
Confederacy is central to the identity of the University in ways that are not as apparent at other southern colleges.
Within this context, the students shared stories of indignities to which they have been subject, witnessed themselves, or had been told about involving racial and/or homophobic name-calling. One PhD went so far as to say the recent event made him feel unsafe not only for himself but for his young family. Several said that after the incident they received calls from friends and colleagues around the country asking if they were okay. This led to further discussions about whether or not the school would be able to attract the best and brightest given these recurring incidents. One student noted that the University seems healthy and vibrant in many ways, but is tragically trapped in recurring patterns, habit, and forces.
As academics, they feel that the name “Ole Miss” trivializes the seriousness of their scholarly work, with all preferring the formal name University of Mississippi. They also expressed a desire to have an “UMiss.edu” email versus the assigned “OleMiss.edu,” arguing that if alumni and athletes want it, so be it, but give the option to those who do not want it.
The conversation shifted to one about “outsiders.” The graduate students argued that blaming people from outside is a long-standing tradition at the school. They felt that it was the same language (or excuse) used during segregationists’ fights or anytime something unsavory happened at the University. They argued that there are no outsiders—all choose to become members of the University community—regardless of their states of origin. They further argued that those coming into the community need to understand what that means in terms of acceptable and intolerable behaviors.
When the idea of an honor code was introduced, the group endorsed it. They recognized that there could be legal challenges to such a thing, but noted that it works well at other campuses all over the country, including the South. They also said that they would stand firm and believe others would as well in unity with the administration if such a step were taken. They believe that the University’s actions to date had been tepid when swift and decisive action is needed. They believed acting more boldly would send a strong and clear message to the outside world that such behaviors would not be tolerated whether or not an actual crime had been committed.
Summary
During the course of our series of conversations, we were struck by the intensity of emotion all groups feel about the University. This is a community of students and staff that truly love their school, their home. They were disheartened by the continuing rash of incidents and want desperately for them to cease. All groups expressed a willingness to be partners with the administration to find viable solutions, and to take risks to do so. It was clear to us that there is adequate good will to create long-term solutions that move the University community closer to its stated ideals.
[dhr]
— Andy Knef, andy.knef@hotty.toddy.com
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239 Comments

239 Comments

  1. Rusty Reeves

    August 1, 2014 at 7:54 am

    here we go, the end is near. just a mater o time before Rebels is gone and the brave heroes buried behind the Tad will be dug up and took to the dump. Dan it is quite evident you don’t read the bible.
    u keep at it libtard and you wont have any donations

  2. Rusty Reeves

    August 1, 2014 at 7:56 am

    Don’t agree with that racist The great White ChieF Vardaman, but public execution will tarnish us more than him, he is dead so he wont care. soon too will be ole miss. Might as well move it to Jackson like Bilbo said. The Meridith thing was the perfect storm to implement you package o hate. Why do you insult out intelligence. Please leave and move out o state since you are so ashamed and have sold out your people. May you rot.

  3. REBEL 4 LIFE

    August 1, 2014 at 8:18 am

    This is BS, if you don’t like Ole Miss and its campus and heritage don’t go to school here.

  4. Rebecca Seawright

    August 1, 2014 at 8:59 am

    It seems that all the people of MS should have a say in what goes on at our public university that we support with our tax dollars. These changes should be brought before the entire state. I’m afraid we are not the “land of the free and home of the brave” anymore. We will all soon be slaves to a dictatorship. No one seems alarmed.

  5. tonya

    August 1, 2014 at 9:00 am

    Ridiculous and traitorous. I hope these colleges go under.

  6. William C Tatum

    August 1, 2014 at 9:33 am

    My god.. i knew it was coming. This is insane. Where does it stop

  7. Tom Fairchild

    August 1, 2014 at 9:57 am

    Forget history and you are doomed to repeat. Liberals in action.

  8. Jdubyah67

    August 1, 2014 at 10:00 am

    “Some faculty are uncomfortable with the nickname” Ole Miss… are you serious Jones? I am guessing these are our northern alumni or the 5 people that complained that we played an Elvis song as our fight song. These “changes” seem to be completely reactionary and lack a solid plan… just like everything that has changed under Jones’ tenure. I am nervous for our future not because I don’t believe Ole Miss needed some updating, it’s being done with a lack of leadership.

  9. bkt1965

    August 1, 2014 at 10:34 am

    As a student at Ole Miss in the eighties there wasn’t ANY racial tension. That was the 1960’s. Why does this Chancellor provoke anti-confederate sediment? Chancellor Jones is racially divisive and is only trying to help in the recruiting end for UMAA. Chancellor Jones wants diversity then stop blaming the white student body by making preferences to people of color. Mississippi seceded. That was the wiIl of the counties of the citizens throughout Mississippi in the 1860’s. Actually I had a white political science professor, we had a black football athlete in class my professor asked him “if there was too much air on him?” The Billy Brewer years. The administration catered to our athletes and so does the faculty. By removing names, statues and flags, Chancellor Jones has actually destroyed the lure of Ole Miss. Chancellor Jones you can not rewrite history. There was racial harmony in the eighties and there would be now, if you weren’t obsessed with campus enrollment. It really isn’t about appeasing the racial ratio on campus as it is as attracting black athletes from outside Mississippi. Chancellor Jones we are not ashamed of Ole Miss and our confederate heritage. Neither should the administration alumni and students who attended Ole Miss. Ole miss will always be Ole Miss even if you are changing the wonderful Southern charm and history that the school once had. Hotty Toddy!

  10. saundersadam

    August 1, 2014 at 10:36 am

    I wish I hadn’t read the comments 🙁

  11. cmouse

    August 1, 2014 at 10:52 am

    First it was Colonel Reb the beloved patriarch of the University. Now we’re paying attention to Ed Ayres who quashed the Museum of the Confederacy into oblivion as part of his scheming with Waite Rawls III. Ole’ Miss isn’t good enough because it has racial overtones? You’re kidding right? Are minorities in this country so thin skinned now they can respect other cultures?

  12. Farley

    August 1, 2014 at 11:00 am

    Bunchafolks who don’t want to let go of a tarnished past. This is making the school more appealing to the folks who would actually get a decent education out of it, not back wood rednecks hootin’ and hollerin’ about the South will rise again. This is marketing, this is PR. This is making the school appealing to a modern audience. If you really think the self-segregated Ole Miss campus was “harmony”, then you’d probably agree with the sentiment of separate but equal. This is moving in the right direction and I applaud Jones for doing a courageous thing that could very well disenfranchise a large base of his donators, but he knows with old ideas, come old folks, and those donations won’t be there forever. Its a new generation of Ole Miss students and most of us want a campus that is representative of the times we live in. Its not 1950 anymore. Its time for us to move on and grow. Those who are always looking back, can never move forward.

  13. William Harrell

    August 1, 2014 at 11:25 am

    I guess the next thing that Jones will want to do is level the Lyceum since it is a reminder of the past. Jones never was a good idea and he has proven that time and time again. If Ole Miss is such a terrible image, why is enrollment increasing and new buildings and housing are being built. We all need to thank Jones for embarrassing us again by bringing this subject up again and giving it legitimacy in 2014.

  14. Rebel Yell Bill

    August 1, 2014 at 11:55 am

    Jones is a part of the Progressive movement to ‘fundamentally transform’ all of America into a Marxist/totalitarian state. His assignment is to bring Ole Miss to heel in regard to this plan. The Extended Sensitivity and Respect Committee sounds like something right out of Orwell’s 1984. The part about brainwashing incoming freshmen to embrace diversity and multiculturalism, which is Balkanizing America, is an important part of the Progressive plan. They are ‘remolding the world to their hearts desire’ which is the Fabian Socialists’ motto. Jones is one of the pack of socialist hyenas that are not only ‘transforming’ (or, molding) Ole Miss, but all of America as well. People with ‘the eyes to see’ can see this everywhere in this country. I would never send a child to an American university…too much danger that they would lose their soul.

  15. Tommy Romines

    August 1, 2014 at 1:00 pm

    Chancellor Jones has totally failed as an educator by lying about Lincoln’s Tax War being fought over slavery. Abraham Lincoln said “My policy sought
    only to hold the public places and
    property not already wrested from the Government
    and to collect the
    revenue.” July 4, 1861 Abraham Lincoln’s
    first Message to the
    U.S. Congress
    (Paragraph 5)

  16. Tommy Romines

    August 1, 2014 at 1:04 pm

    Chancellor Jones has totally failed as an educator. Abraham Lincoln said, “My policy sought
    ONLY to hold the public places and
    property not already wrested from the Government and to COLLECT the
    revenue.” July 4, 1861 Abraham Lincoln’s
    first Message to the
    U.S. Congress (Paragraph 5)

  17. Tommy Romines

    August 1, 2014 at 1:09 pm

    March 4, 1861 Lincoln stated in his First Inaugural
    Address:
    “The power confided to me will be
    used to hold, occupy, and possess the property and places belonging to the government (four Federal tax collection
    forts), and
    to collect the
    duties and imposts (import tax); but beyond what may be
    necessary for these objects, there will be no invasion, no using of force against or among
    the people anywhere.” (Paragraph 21) “I have no purpose, directly or
    indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do
    so.” (Paragraph
    4) “I understand
    a proposed
    (Corwin) Amendment to the Constitution has
    passed Congress, to the effect that the
    Federal Government shall never
    interfere with the domestic institutions of the States, including that of persons held
    to service. Holding such a provision to now be implied constitutional law, I
    have no objection to its being made express and irrevocable.” (Paragraph 32)

  18. Brenda Ramage

    August 1, 2014 at 1:22 pm

    I don’t agree with racism AT ALL but the term “Ole Miss” shouldn’t be offensive. I mean “bears” is offensive!! All people should be treated the same no matter their race.

  19. BaeBae Tedford

    August 1, 2014 at 2:30 pm

    How come y’all still use the nickname “Ole MIss”? That’s pathetic and disgusting. It’s what slaves used to call the wife of a plantation owner and y’all still have the guts to put in on the side of everything?!?! Man there’s some backwards folks in Oxford. I’m sholl glad I left.

  20. Slim Smith

    August 1, 2014 at 2:41 pm

    But you certainly have NOT failed as a crack-pot revisionist, Tommy.

  21. Slim Smith

    August 1, 2014 at 2:43 pm

    The fact that you are not ashamed of your confederate heritage is precisely why these measure should move forward with all due haste. I am certain that there are many, many UM alum and students who will be quick to say that you do not speak for them.

  22. sorleyboy

    August 1, 2014 at 3:30 pm

    The League of the South will oppose this move, first by contacting those who contribute financially to the university. Should they not understand the overall import of these craven, politically correct actions, we will make sure they do. We will also be planning a public demonstration in the Oxford area to give voice to those who disagree with these actions. This is just the latest example of cultural cleansing taking place throughout the South. It must–and will–stop once the Southern people decide to take action. http://www.leagueofthesouth.com

  23. Sharon Reece Neff

    August 1, 2014 at 3:40 pm

    This is a bunch of junk and is just what was predicted at the beginning of the Col Rebel debacle. Dan has an agenda and people need to stand up against it. If some faculty members had a problem, then they shouldn’t have come to OLE MISS in the first place.

  24. tipofthespear65

    August 1, 2014 at 3:41 pm

    “So far, in this process, even when people have broadly disagreed, they have been civil in their discourse”…
    Does anyone else read this “so far, we have been able to get away with this ridiculous crap because people have gone along with it”?

  25. Pat Hines

    August 1, 2014 at 3:42 pm

    I will be joining any demonstration held at the University.
    These problems should have been corrected at the time of the US government’s military invasion of Oxford, but they were allowed to fester.
    Now, we will have to correct this ongoing reconstruction today and tomorrow. Rest assured, those of the Black Cross will make these corrections.

  26. Pat Hines

    August 1, 2014 at 3:43 pm

    I think Mississippi is happy you left as well.

  27. bkt1965

    August 1, 2014 at 4:42 pm

    Not ashamed as all Slim, nor should I be. We fought to protect our families from a Northern Invasion. Slavery wasn’t the only reason as you are lead to believe.

  28. bkt1965

    August 1, 2014 at 4:47 pm

    I disagree Farley, the well established Ole Miss alum..love their past and Love Ole Miss. We had the Pride of the South play Dixie and we waved our flags. I didn’t matter if we were playing State, Arkansas or Norte Dame..we loved our Ole Miss. You can never change the fact that “we are Southern” and that is who we are.

  29. bkt1965

    August 1, 2014 at 4:48 pm

    reggae man it is not pathetic. We are the South and btw go somewhere liberal else. We are Ole Miss.

  30. bkt1965

    August 1, 2014 at 4:49 pm

    AMEN!

  31. Buddy Irving

    August 1, 2014 at 4:50 pm

    I’m an OLE MISS grad. This ridiculous report is just to guarantee and keep the federal money coming into OLE MISS. Political correctness in its finest hour.

  32. bkt1965

    August 1, 2014 at 4:55 pm

    Long live the South, God Bless the South! And those that all that try to destroy and change us, never will. Long live the Ole Miss Rebels and the confederate heritage of the University Greys. Read about the history of the University Greys you ignorant progressive liberals.

  33. bkt1965

    August 1, 2014 at 4:56 pm

    Slim Smith there are schools like Jackson State that harbor your ideas.

  34. Duffman123

    August 1, 2014 at 5:38 pm

    While there’s no problem with that if you like it that way, but apparently the people in charge of the school don’t. Mississippi is pretty much dead last in all categories, including education, and the administration is clearly making an effort to keep the school competitive. If you want to continue living in the past and from behind, that is your prerogative. But keep in mind the costs of doing so

  35. Rebel To The End

    August 1, 2014 at 5:40 pm

    Slim : You are darn right we are proud of our Confederate Heritage.

  36. Rebel by choice

    August 1, 2014 at 5:58 pm

    Ole Miss is in the poorest state in America. Every time we kick off, we have the majority of this small state pulling against us. Now, we have to fight the very people we pay to make Ole Miss better. The only thing Jones knows is how to destroy Ole Miss.
    It is apparent why Jones no longer practices medicine. When one is viewed as having an injury, one addresses the injury & lets time heal. Not Jones! He continues to pull off the scab & inflict bacteria. All Southern universites were segrated at the same time Ole Miss was. All intergrated about the same time. Why can’t Jones get over it like all others?
    Jones calls himself a Christian. When Jesus encountered the prostitute at the well, Jesus simply said “your sins are forgiven. Go & sin no more.” Jones wants Ole Miss to wear a sign around its neck for decades repenting everyone some little liberal thinks appropriate.
    As for Jones’ little professors who are offended by the name “Ole Miss”, why did they accept a job at Ole Miss? They should be thankful for the job. It was probably their only offer. Professor are generally not very smart, but the same means that brought you to Ole Miss will lead you out of state.

  37. Realist

    August 1, 2014 at 6:20 pm

    BaeBae, seems to me you’re offended by a term that holds a lot of historical significance for Mississippians. Not a history of oppression because those days are nothing but pages in a history book… Yet, a memory of southern tradition. To some it means family values, ice cold sweet tea, Coca-cola, front porches and tire swings. “Ole Miss.” My problem with your comment is that you are trying to offend others because you’re offended. That’s hypocritical and vindictive, is it not? “Pathetic and disgusting.” Ole Miss may have taken an original meaning of a “plantation owner’s wife” but that’s no longer the intended or socially accepted meaning… Because we have progressed. If you want to act as a progressive and make a difference then you probably need to rethink your strategy. Lashing out against others stops progress in it’s tracks. Be mindful of other peoples perspectives.

  38. Rebel To The End

    August 1, 2014 at 6:24 pm

    I bet there a lot of other folks are glad you left.

  39. americanjello

    August 1, 2014 at 8:39 pm

    I checked out your website and y’all are basically the klan without the hoods and overt racism I guess? I’ll be sure to be at your little demonstration with an “I’m with stupid” sign.

  40. americanjello

    August 1, 2014 at 8:40 pm

    “We stand for our Faith, Family, and Folk living in freedom and prosperity on the lands of our forefathers.”
    not the KKK, the FFF (so folk means white people???)

  41. sorleyboy

    August 1, 2014 at 8:49 pm

    So you’ll be bringing your twin to stand with? See you there!

  42. sorleyboy

    August 1, 2014 at 8:50 pm

    Indeed. You got a problem with white Southerners standing up for themselves and their interests? Or is that something only others are allowed to do?

  43. sorleyboy

    August 1, 2014 at 8:53 pm

    It doesn’t stop until we make it stop.

  44. americanjello

    August 1, 2014 at 9:17 pm

    Did the Grand Wizard teach you that zinger?

  45. americanjello

    August 1, 2014 at 9:17 pm

    Actually, yeah, I do.

  46. Seth Williams

    August 1, 2014 at 9:20 pm

    Hotty Toddy, Rusty. I say that now because in five years if fear that will be forgotten of at least ridiculed.

  47. americanjello

    August 1, 2014 at 9:26 pm

    So did you graduate from The University of Mississippi or are you still working on your GED?

  48. americanjello

    August 1, 2014 at 9:29 pm

    Wow, you are delusional. Please, see a doctor.

  49. americanjello

    August 1, 2014 at 9:31 pm

    What an embarrassment to our University.

  50. americanjello

    August 1, 2014 at 9:48 pm

    Wow, a bunch of young, promising dudes wasted their lives fighting a futile battle for a not-so-noble cause. What’s the lesson and heritage you’re trying to push here?
    Are you mad that the south lost the war?

  51. americanjello

    August 1, 2014 at 9:49 pm

    Yeah, go hog wild, make a fool out of yourself.

  52. sorleyboy

    August 1, 2014 at 9:59 pm

    No it came from a mere Titan.

  53. sorleyboy

    August 1, 2014 at 10:00 pm

    Well, get used to it.

  54. sorleyboy

    August 1, 2014 at 10:00 pm

    University of Alabama–BA, MA, Ph.D.

  55. americanjello

    August 1, 2014 at 10:16 pm

    Stay the hell out of Oxford you inbred hick.

  56. americanjello

    August 1, 2014 at 10:21 pm

    Dare I ask what your field is?

  57. americanjello

    August 1, 2014 at 10:26 pm

    “Get used to it” is something the gays use. Is that who you want to be associated with?

  58. sorleyboy

    August 1, 2014 at 10:37 pm

    We’ll be seeing you soon. And by the way, you sound like a bigot using such language as “inbred hick.” Are you an anti-Southern bigot?

  59. sorleyboy

    August 1, 2014 at 10:37 pm

    I think you’re making that up . . . or else you’re queer yourself.

  60. sorleyboy

    August 1, 2014 at 10:39 pm

    History

  61. americanjello

    August 1, 2014 at 10:50 pm

    I’m an anti-neo-klansman-idiot-with-type-2-diabetes-from-Alabama-coming to-my-city-and-making-us-look-bad bigot, yeah.

  62. americanjello

    August 1, 2014 at 10:56 pm

    I thought you said you were a history student?

  63. Anon Ymous

    August 1, 2014 at 11:41 pm

    Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God made the heavens and the earth, and OleMiss.” See Dan, even the bible says so!

  64. Farley

    August 2, 2014 at 12:10 am

    And being Southern doesn’t mean fully embracing all of our past faults and all. There is the New South (as opposed to the Old South), we can honor our heritage and still make strides to be a progressive institution. Its about acknowledging the positives of our culture while doing away with the horrid parts that those before us were apart of. Its about moving forward as a culture, not stagnating in the past just because its tradition.

  65. Anon Ymous

    August 2, 2014 at 12:38 am

    Actually steps toward modern social equality say “land of the free” a lot better than the old south ever seemed to. In your mind you define freedom as you and only you should be free. However true freedom says that all people should be free. People who define freedom as the former are blatantly concerned with themselves and do not represent what America stands for. We’re supposed to help each other as a United people. Mississippi receives a tremendous amount of help from the national government yet turns its back on fellow Americans who are of the slightest difference in beliefs/origins/cultures. Their tax dollars help us, too. We will be left behind and forgotten about if we can’t accept our nation as the “land of the free for everyone.” MS is already neck and neck for last place among the states in education and wealth. Type “Poorest state in America” into Google if you don’t believe me. Lets pick her up instead of beat her down.

  66. Anon Ymous

    August 2, 2014 at 12:42 am

    That’s kind of immature. “You give money to the University therefore we will threaten you until you tell them how to run it. If they don’t listen, it’s your head!” Grow up.

  67. Anon Ymous

    August 2, 2014 at 12:51 am

    So if a black southerner wanted to stand up for faith, family, and folk living in freedom and prosperity could they join the league of the south? If not, you are neo-klansmen hiding behind words you do not understand. If so, then carry on.

  68. Anon Ymous

    August 2, 2014 at 1:03 am

    Hay, that’s why I homeschool my teens right here in my backyard! Today they learned how to spell “KKK.” — In case you didn’t catch that, yes it was sarcasm. America has the top higher education in the world. Too bad you’ve never benefitted from it.

  69. Anon Ymous

    August 2, 2014 at 1:10 am

    I agree with you Farley 100%. And I’m proud to be a fellow Southerner of yours. People see this as an attack on their identity when really it’s an attempt to bolster it. Agreeing with a past filled with hate and segregation does not make you more of a Southerner.

  70. Anon Ymous

    August 2, 2014 at 1:35 am

    If only all the proponents for keeping the name exhibited that they have “progressed” like you say. Unfortunately many of them show that they haven’t. While I disagree with the Old South’s argument for keeping the name, I actually agree with yours. It means fond memories in the Grove to many. However, on the other hand it’s just as well that any other name would do for that that didn’t carry a degree of historical baggage for some. The move is to appease everyone. The old-southers believe this “everyone” does not include them, but it does in a way that does not hurt others. I believe that’s the true essence of American freedom–allowing every American the same equal rights. Your freedom should not trample someone else’s freedom and vice versa. Also, amen to your last sentence!

  71. Anon Ymous

    August 2, 2014 at 1:39 am

    How would you update it? Your comment seems reactionary without a solid plan..

  72. Pat Hines

    August 2, 2014 at 1:46 am

    I know the man you’re insulting, Jello, and should you meet him, you’re going to be in for a very ugly surprise.
    Then, again, all anti-white, anti-south types are usually pretty light in the loafers, so I doubt you’ll be around.

  73. Anon Ymous

    August 2, 2014 at 1:48 am

    It’s moves like this that are helping enrollment. Names without links to the Old South do not stop people from applying. Can the same be said the other way around? Nope. Most of the new enrollment is coming from out of state. We can thank the changes made to our university for finally putting Mississippi on the map for higher education nationwide. For a state that ranks bottom in education and wealth, this is the right move to pull ourselves out of the pit. We should thank Jones for seeing this and doing you a service. In 100 years or less your great grandchildren may live in an extremely prosperous and affluent state that no longer carries the saying “Thank God for Mississippi.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thank_God_for_Mississippi

  74. Pat Hines

    August 2, 2014 at 1:53 am

    There is no “tarnished past”, there is our southern culture and we will not have it eliminated by the likes of cultural Marxists, the politically correct, or anyone else.
    We will defend our culture.

  75. Anon Ymous

    August 2, 2014 at 1:57 am

    They obviously will not keep in mind the cost of doing so. These are the same people who wanted to take away education funding from the government in an apparent effort to “secede” in any way they can. That would have utterly crippled this state even more. No, when it comes to ideals.. they are willing to jump off a bridge and take the state with them just to not have to answer to anyone. Look where it’s gotten us. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thank_God_for_Mississippi

  76. Anon Ymous

    August 2, 2014 at 2:04 am

    And the Old South-ers successfully transform into the very fanatic muslim-like jihadists that they hate so much! The hypocrisy is unbearable!

  77. Anon Ymous

    August 2, 2014 at 2:09 am

    They probably didn’t realize the level of racial tension present on campus before they took the job. It comes out of hiding every now and then but it is and has always been there. I find it funny how the Sig Ep boys who desecrated the James Meredith statue probably ended up playing more of role in modernizing the university than returning it to the Old South like they intended that night… If proponents of the Old South used rational arguments to present their case they might get somewhere. Oh wait.. they don’t have any of those.

  78. DelPasso

    August 2, 2014 at 2:41 am

    Screw this guy.

  79. Rebel To The End

    August 2, 2014 at 6:57 am

    There is”Tarnished Past” there is a past of proud History and Heritage.You state so folks get a decent education then why do they not apply their efforts to studying and leave the History & Heritage along?Were not all the things jones and his handful of special hand picked advisor’s want to change already in place when they came to OLE MISS?

  80. Rebel To The End

    August 2, 2014 at 7:14 am

    Jello The University Grey’s were a group of fine young men who did fight and die for a very noble cause.If you would or could read and study would fine that the fight for Southern Right’s was a noble cause.
    You need to study our History before opening your mouth and proving how little you really know.
    People like you have no right to utter the Name of the brave young men not “dude’s”who were THE UNIVERSITY GREY’S’ read the History DUDE.

  81. Rebel To The End

    August 2, 2014 at 7:16 am

    You don’t like it leave the same bus that brought to OLE MISS will carry you away.

  82. americanjello

    August 2, 2014 at 8:36 am

    Your wife left you for a black dude with a big swinging richard. That explains everything.

  83. americanjello

    August 2, 2014 at 8:48 am

    Slavery, a noble cause. You’ve lost your mind.

  84. americanjello

    August 2, 2014 at 8:51 am

    Nah. I think I’ll stay. You racist confederate sympathizer cowards don’t scare me.

  85. americanjello

    August 2, 2014 at 9:01 am

    Also, don’t tell me what I have the right to say. The University Greys were actually a bunch of whack-azz-crackas who hated freedom.

  86. Pat Hines

    August 2, 2014 at 9:12 am

    I’m pretty sure my wife is in our kitchen making me breakfast right now, and in any case, she doesn’t like naggers.
    I don’t either.

  87. Sharon Reece Neff

    August 2, 2014 at 9:16 am

    I do not want to return to the Old South, but not everything about it was terrible. In their effort to sanitize/forget it, the university is throwing a beloved baby or two out with the bathwater. And guess what? There is a level of racial tension everywhere in our country. All of this has been done by fiat of Dan Jones, no matter how he’s tried to hide his agenda. And doing it that way makes even reasonable people dig in their heels and say “No!” Soon our university will be a generic and politically correct institution, and that will surely be a very sad day.

  88. Sharon Reece Neff

    August 2, 2014 at 9:18 am

    And “black” bears should be especially offensive.

  89. sorleyboy

    August 2, 2014 at 9:29 am

    Islam worships a false god.

  90. Rebel by choice

    August 2, 2014 at 9:33 am

    As Chancellor of Ole Miss, Jones does more for Mississippi State than Mark Keenum.

  91. americanjello

    August 2, 2014 at 9:50 am

    What exactly has he or anyone else done in an attempt to ‘sanitize’ the history of ole miss?

  92. americanjello

    August 2, 2014 at 10:08 am

    She cucks you? That’s cool if you’re into it I guess.

  93. americanjello

    August 2, 2014 at 10:10 am

    Cucked by a tan buff dude

  94. Anon Ymous

    August 2, 2014 at 11:10 am

    You sound just like a state fan. Don’t stoop to their level

  95. Anon Ymous

    August 2, 2014 at 11:16 am

    I’m assuming you meant to say “can’t respect other cultures.” That’s pretty ironic to ask a minority to “respect a culture” that disrespects them. In fact it’s borderline hypocritical.

  96. Pat Hines

    August 2, 2014 at 12:10 pm

    This “boy” is attempting to match wits with a southern white man, failing miserably.
    Jello, you’ll never rise to that level, so best you quit embarrassing yourself with childish attempts.

  97. Rebel Yell Bill

    August 2, 2014 at 12:20 pm

    Study Progressivism if you want to understand Jones. An alternate name for the Progressives is the coercive utopians. He may be an ‘outer court’ Progressive who just follows orders, so he may not be privy to the Progressive endgame. One of their goals is to deprogram the youth from their parental values, etc. and to replace those values with the values and beliefs of the State (or collective). This is where the brainwashing of the incoming Ole Miss freshmen comes in. In short, Progressivism, as a political philosophy, says that since (to them) there is no God and no heaven, then they must take the place of God to create a ‘heaven’ on Earth. However, there is a fundamental problem in that ‘man divorced from God is DESTINED to create a hell of Earth’. We are just beginning to see that now and it is going to get MUCH worse. So, let’s give a round of applause for all of those who enable this situation…like Jones. By the way, not only do the Progressives want to program the minds of our youth, that aultimately want to get rid of the nuclear family and allow the State to raise children so that they can be programmed from the cradle.

  98. Farley

    August 2, 2014 at 12:26 pm

    Culture evolves.

  99. americanjello

    August 2, 2014 at 12:32 pm

    A literal klansman tells me I’m embarrassing myself. Lol.

  100. Rebel Yell Bill

    August 2, 2014 at 12:32 pm

    Anon Ymous, I am a compassionate man and I want to help you. You obviously cannot see yourself, because if you could you would be too humiliated to continue expressing your ‘thoughts’ on this or any other blog. I want to suggest a mantra to you. Get centered and clear what you have of a mind and repeat these words with conviction every morning and every night…”I am a fool and desperately need an education”. After doing this for a year get back in touch. I am eager to know if you are a member of our genus and species. At least the ‘sapiens’ part. If the mantra doesn’t work, your problem may run deeper. There is not much that can be done for the shallow end of the human gene pool. If you do not understand this, I will try again using monosyllables.

  101. Farley

    August 2, 2014 at 12:38 pm

    So you mean those riots when Meredith was trying to enroll aren’t apart of a tarnished past?
    And I don’t see how if things were in place when Dan and his advisers came to Ole Miss, why they shouldn’t be changed.
    And even then not much is being changed, we’re adding additional historic markers and making a strides to make diversity more of an integral part of the campus. So a few street names are being changed, so what? The only one of signifance to “tradition” would be Confederate drive, and you kow what? That’s fine too. Its not like they’re leveling the Cemetery or anything. They aren’t disrespecting your heritage, there making it more appealing to those who don’t appreciate it.

  102. txsaint

    August 2, 2014 at 1:43 pm

    A public demonstration in Oxford? Like the one when James Meredith tried to enroll or like the Klan rally in 1982 showing support for the Confederate flag at Ole Miss? Or maybe it’ll be like the one I went to, also in 1982, when white students marched on a black frat house yelling, “We IS Ole Miss.” Your suggestion of a demonstration is nothing new. Every time Ole Miss moves a step away from its Confederate, segregationist ties there is a demonstration. The national news comes, the Klan comes, and any message you have is quickly overshadowed by the racists. Ole Miss looks bad, the state looks bad, we all look bad. I have loved Ole Miss my entire life. But I don’t need my big old Confederate flag any more. I don’t need Colonel Rebel. And I don’t need Confederate Drive. But we all need a flagship state university that ALL Mississippians can be proud of.

  103. txsaint

    August 2, 2014 at 1:46 pm

    Wow. I have a Mississippi elementary history textbook from 1943 that you would love. No white supremist propaganda in that book, no sir.

  104. bkt1965

    August 2, 2014 at 3:56 pm

    I disagree with you Farley, whether slave descendant or confederate we should embrace our heritage. If you watch the PBS show with Henry Louis Gates, Jr., he discusses our celebrities ancestors that were slave traders. Much to their surprise. Massachusetts was involved in slave trading. So did the Sylvester Plantation, in Long Island, NY. Are your surprised? Punishing Southerners is not the right answer or denying history. Shoving down our throats slavery, is not the right answer either. We need to stop the rhetoric that Southerners should hide their past. The New South has risen from the ashes. We should not forget our past and the Cross of St. Andrews was an American flag like it or not. The progressives are divisive. Let it go. That was the 1960’s there isn’t any racial tension at Ole Miss. Stop the rhetoric and embrace the past. We shall never forget. You can not rewrite history.

  105. K.r. Lombardia

    August 2, 2014 at 4:50 pm

    As a Southerner, I’m amazed how you can turn your back on your heritage and the people who gave their lives for Mississippi. Those brave men all died at Gettysburg. Now you turn your back on them. That’s terrible.

  106. Anon Ymous

    August 2, 2014 at 7:01 pm

    It’s not getting eliminated. It’s just letting go of the hate. Do you think the Nazis had a right to defend their culture when they were actively killing everyone else? The best world is a peaceful world. You are breeding war and hate. God said to treat others the way you want to be treated, all men are created equal, and love your enemy. Why the heck are there so many neo-klansman groups that claim Christianity and use a form of the cross for a symbol? If anything they are the stark opposite of Christianity! You defy the Bible and use falsehoods to back your ideals. This is not an attack on culture, it’s an attack on hate and inequality–the kind that you so proudly display in your little group. It’s allowing everyone the same freedom to live in peace. The Old South didn’t do that, but the New South will, whether you’re on the train or not. It took killing our brothers to tell us that and you people still don’t seem to get it.

  107. txsaint

    August 2, 2014 at 7:33 pm

    My great grandfather fought at Vicksburg and I went to Ole Miss. Our (Southern) cause was unjust. It’s good that we lost or slavery would have been the law for much longer. I am an American before I am a Mississippian.

  108. Anon Ymous

    August 2, 2014 at 7:35 pm

    First of all, there absolutely is a degree of racial tension at OleMiss whether it is instigated by a few individuals or many. Aspects show this such as the James Meredith statue desecration, the division of white and black Greek life, the marching of the KKK, the small riots when a black president was elected by some students… the list goes on. In my firsthand experience at OleMiss and in Greek life I found plenty of openly racist fellow white individuals. Hiding the fact that racism exists is ABSOLUTELY NOT the answer either. I agree that we should embrace our heritage. We should educate ourselves on our history. But this does not mean we should be tolerate of any modern level of racism and inequality just because it is a part of our past. In this move no one is trying to rewrite Southern history or change Southern culture. This is not an attack on your identity. It is trying to prepare us for the future so that we may become leaders in today’s world and not those who seek to drag others and ourselves down. What you are saying to me is to be Southern is to be proud of hate and support inequality. I am Southern and white and I do not identify myself with these things. Just another example that relates here, in business those who do not adopt new best practices quickly cease to exist regardless of the level of success they previously achieved. This is an attempt to help Mississippi and not be left behind when the world moves on. Cultures adapt. We are the poorest, most uneducated state in the nation. We need a change.

  109. txsaint

    August 2, 2014 at 7:44 pm

    That’s the entire problem, white Southerners standing up for “their interests” instead of the interests of all people. That is the reason my state (Mississippi) and yours (Alabama) rank near the bottom in education, health, life expectancy. Your comments are straight from a Civil Rights documentary they are so outdated.

  110. Anon Ymous

    August 2, 2014 at 7:46 pm

    Amen!

  111. txsaint

    August 2, 2014 at 7:47 pm

    Luckily, few people know that. I prefer to think that NOW it means what everyone thinks it means: Ole Mississippi.

  112. txsaint

    August 2, 2014 at 7:54 pm

    I can agree with you on the term “Ole Miss. ” The argument can be made that it no longer means what it once did. The rest? The flag and Colonel Rebel needed to go. Confederate Drive needs to go. But your argument that it’s OK because to some it just means sweet tea is a tad absurd. To some it means chains, whippings, lynchings and imprisonment. And since we all pay taxes to support the University, we need to have a tradition that everyone can rally behind. Thanks.

  113. txsaint

    August 2, 2014 at 7:55 pm

    How is the name bear offensive?

  114. Anon Ymous

    August 2, 2014 at 7:57 pm

    It actually worships the same god just doesn’t believe Jesus was the son of God although still a prophet. Our old testament and theirs are strikingly similar. They have the same stories of Noah and Moses and Abraham. It’s the new testament where things start to veer off. I’m just saying, threats or violence never got anyone anywhere for long. Don’t become terrorists. Rise above them.

  115. Anon Ymous

    August 2, 2014 at 8:04 pm

    I think pinpointing Jones isn’t fair. The University receives national attention for its racial run ins and any chancellor would be pressured to address them. It’s his responsibility to support a healthy learning environment for all OleMiss students and stand behind the UM Creed. Jones does not have a personal agenda to discard Southern heritage. That’s just ludicrous.

  116. Rebel by choice

    August 2, 2014 at 8:16 pm

    And you think black people stand up for all people?

  117. Rebel by choice

    August 2, 2014 at 8:34 pm

    To way is a Christian’s God the same as a muslim’s god!

  118. Anon Ymous

    August 2, 2014 at 8:56 pm

    That’s obviously not what I was saying. They share the same roots though. Both are founded in monotheism (the belief that there is only one god) as opposed to polytheism. This is off topic though.

  119. Realist

    August 2, 2014 at 8:57 pm

    Thanks? Please don’t patronize me. I think you’re missing the point. My argument was against an “attitude” that’s spreading like a plague. An attitude that is perpetuated by events that occurred not in our lifetime and not in the lifetime of 2 or 3 generations before us. THAT is absurd. We live in a world today where minorities are “entitled” to more incentives than whites. I wish I could get a scholarship to a major university simply because of my skin color. Yet, this “it’s not enough” attitude still exists. Want to talk about the job force? Pull up your pants when you walk into an interview. Show up on time. Act motivated about wanting the job. Don’t get an attitude when your boss rides your ass about not meeting productivity goals. Accept constructive criticism. Don’t even get me started on affirmative action. My point? This attitude is what’s pushing reconstructive agendas of a culture which isn’t broken anymore. I never said it was OK simply because of sweet tea. In fact, I never referenced the flag or the name of a damn road anywhere in my post. I’m fairly confident you understood the idea behind my argument quite clearly. Your argument is vague. “It” means chains, whippings, lynchings and imprisonment? To what are you referring.. Our culture? Absurd. A flag? A street name? Minor issues. These minor issues are brought up to feed this “never satisfied” attitude.

  120. Rebel To The End

    August 2, 2014 at 9:11 pm

    The Civil war was not fought over slavery but Lincolns attempt to impose unfair tax’s on the South. You have never had a mind to lose.

  121. txsaint

    August 2, 2014 at 10:00 pm

    As a white man, I can say enough with the “I’m a poor abused white man” shtick. I don’t know how old you are, but I grew up in a Mississippi where segregation was the law of the land and black kids got the sh** end of the stick when it came to education and opportunity. It isn’t “pages in a history book.” It’s our generation. To pretend that racism is a thing of the past is to bury your head in the sand. Your original post was halfway intelligent. Your next post – “pants down, no work ethic, late to a job” – sounds like KKK coffee shop chatter. You say that we have “progressed.” The measure of progression is not to see how we stack up against the issues of 50 years ago. The measure of progression is to see how we measure up against the issues of today: same sex marriage, health care for the poor, etc. By that standard, the South and Mississippi are just as backwards as always and once again we’ll be the ones having to drag our Southern brethren kicking and screaming into the 21st century.

  122. americanjello

    August 2, 2014 at 10:48 pm

    Just a heads up, you are talking to a literal klansman so things like ‘common sense’ and ‘logic’ won’t get you anywhere.

  123. americanjello

    August 2, 2014 at 10:51 pm

    Thanks for this post.

  124. americanjello

    August 2, 2014 at 10:55 pm

    Jesus was a black man

  125. americanjello

    August 2, 2014 at 10:56 pm

    He’s literally a klansman.

  126. Anon Ymous

    August 3, 2014 at 12:07 am

    So you mean he would hate it then.

  127. Anon Ymous

    August 3, 2014 at 12:14 am

    This is a fight against racism, not against white people. Don’t confuse the two. And neither group is innocent, but hate only breeds more hate. Somebody has to be the first one to stand up if it’s ever going to end. And it should. Hate is unnatural and unhealthy. Why is there so much of it in the Bible Belt for crying out loud?

  128. Pat Hines

    August 3, 2014 at 12:20 am

    No, actually, you are a traitor to your kith and kin. You are a traitor to the memory of your Great Grandfather, may he rest in peace for the hero he was.
    I hope he finds out what a despicable traitor you are and assists the denial of your resting place near him, which is surely in Heaven.

  129. Pat Hines

    August 3, 2014 at 12:25 am

    It’s always the adults who have to speak to the childish, Jello, it’s always the adults.
    You’re the child here, Jello. I expect you hear that a lot in your life.
    One more thing. My Great Grandfather, a Confederate officer, was very active in the KKK in eastern North Carolina, a fact of which I am quite proud. The Klan saved the south during the 12 year reign of terror usually called Reconstruction.
    Accusing me of being in the Klan is like calling me a hero.

  130. Pat Hines

    August 3, 2014 at 12:34 am

    Uh oh, I’m getting a whiff of Godwin’s Law being violated here.
    Any comparison between the south, at any point in its long, illustrious history and National Socialist Germany, is made by someone with an agenda, someone abysmally ignorant, or someone viciously Marxist, or all three.
    Maybe you should read “Complicity”.
    https://www.amazon.com/Complicity-Promoted-Prolonged-Profited-Slavery/dp/0345467833/

  131. Pat Hines

    August 3, 2014 at 12:36 am

    Yes, it does, our southern culture will evolve the way we Southrons direct it, not from some Yankee low life.

  132. Pat Hines

    August 3, 2014 at 12:38 am

    If a minority does not like the cultural milieu he finds himself within, he may relocate to a place where he enjoys more.
    In short, if they don’t like our ways, get out.

  133. Pat Hines

    August 3, 2014 at 12:39 am

    Precisely why we will see your kind remove from our lands.

  134. Pat Hines

    August 3, 2014 at 12:42 am

    How interesting, I heard Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner said exactly the same thing.

  135. Pat Hines

    August 3, 2014 at 12:43 am

    …and then you woke up.

  136. Pat Hines

    August 3, 2014 at 12:44 am

    Of course they say the same things, they’d all heard the stories for over 600 years.

  137. Anon Ymous

    August 3, 2014 at 1:58 am

    I think you misunderstood me. I’m not comparing the South to Nazi Germany. I’m using the example of Nazi Germany to blatantly convey the wrongness of this kind of thinking. Obviously we haven’t reached the point where the hate grows into genocide but the root of that evil regime was, shockingly, racism/elitism. Stop trying to be so hostile and just think about it. Don’t let yourself be blinded by hate. You also completely ignored everything I said about the Bible. Do you denounce these words from God? Afterall your symbol is a cross…

  138. Anon Ymous

    August 3, 2014 at 2:48 am

    That’s what this is really about, being the captain of your own ship. Then pursue education and match world leaders at their own game. Do things to help build up the South instead of forming little hate groups where you sit around, pouting about the times and pointing fingers at other people. What have you done for today’s South? You think this false perception of elitism is a noble cause because it ensures an attractive future for you, not the South, you. How selfish.
    Fighting fire with fire will never put it out. Educated members of Southern universities see this and are actively trying to make the South more competitive and attractive to everyone. That is how real power is created. Do you think anyone in congress listens to bottom tier states? Your answer to that has always been just to forget them and secede. That would absolutely cripple Southerners and do away with a lot of things we enjoy as Americans. If you studied economics or war divided countries around the world you would know that.
    Stop playing as the seed of destruction while desperately clinging to the past like it has any place in our modern day lives. You want to be Captain? Learn to be a positive influence then. Play a part in establishing a bright future for the South rather than being such a contrarian and you will find more recognition than you know what to do with. I find it extremely ironic how you always warn others of a dictatorship when your chosen reality would be the stark spitting image of one. Everyone has a right to be free. This extends as far as your right to freedom trampling others. Get with the times and do something helpful for the South.

  139. Anon Ymous

    August 3, 2014 at 4:57 am

    You’re not going to agree with this but it’s the truth: Historically speaking, part of that attitude is our doing. When you deny a group of people education for a long time it affects them down through the generations. Think about the redistricting in Mississippi of voters and segregation. Moves were made to suppress minorities and deny them the same access to education/quality of life as whites during segregation. The whole problem with separate but equal was that it was not equal at all. There weren’t enough good teachers who were already educated and willing to teach in those separate locales because, A) people didn’t mix and B) black teachers had never had real access to a good education. While to you believe it may have been long enough for people to have the opportunity to pick themselves up from all of that does not hide the fact that it’s still a slow process. Many are breaking away from that cycle but we still have 3rd world poverty in our home state in places like the Delta. Affirmative action and black benefits are put in place to repair the damage that was done by the past. I believe one day we will not need these things, but for now we still do. We (whites) have had a head start. Maybe someday there will be “American affirmative action” when highly educated foreigners take over the job market. Then you will love the idea.
    While this was not to make an excuse for the attitudes and lack of professionalism it was to better shed light on the cause of it. Despite all of that there is still a movement that is it somehow “cool” to be delinquent amongst the young black and white generations alike that seems to be something else entirely. The reason why minorities are getting priority to attend higher educational institutions is because for the first time in history have they had access to the pre-education required to do so. Again, I think in a hundred years or so these handouts based on ethnicity will not be given.

  140. Betty L. Sullivan

    August 3, 2014 at 5:22 am

    To Chancellor Dan Jones, current and recently retired leaders at Ole Miss and others reading this passage, please hear me when I say “Thank you!” for bringing Ole Miss into the 21st Century where it belongs.
    Thanks to leaders like you, Chancellor Jones, our younger generations will shed the last shreds of horrible racist and homophobic attitudes some would wish to perpetuate.
    As the wheels of time turn, so do those of us here now march toward our
    graves, and may we take with us these putrid cries of dysfunctional
    bigots.
    To all who spout hate in your resistance to inclusion and diversity, rest assured that your time in this world is limited and coming to an end.
    Ole Miss will inevitably continue to grow and change because it is a seat of blessed intelligent thought shining within my pitiful home state and region where some are now gasping their last breaths of bias and bigotry.
    Your sad attempts to hang on to white supremacy are indicative of your own insecurity, ignorance and desire to preserve a form of perceived power you have actually never truly had because its day came to an inevitable end at least one generation ago.

  141. Rebel To The End

    August 3, 2014 at 6:27 am

    Never said me were trying to scare you jello if you don’t like our ways and History carry your candy butt to another school and leave Ole Miss and it great History & Heritage along.
    We are not CONFEDERATE SYMPATHIZERS COWARDS are proud of our Confederate Heritage if your butt don’t like it then leave it was here before your showed at OLE MISS HOME OF THE REBELS don’t you just love that name jello?.

  142. Rebel To The End

    August 3, 2014 at 6:35 am

    jones needs to resign he does not deserve to be called the chancellor of OLE MISS and try to destroy the History & Heritage of THIS Great School and its Heritage & History. To call him Chancellor is a dis-grace to the name OLE MISS.
    Anyone who would hire Ed Ayers to make and honest study of the Confederacy has got to be either drunk, on drugs and just plain dumb.Are just want to destroy our school. JONES YOU NEED TO JOIN UP WITH AYERS AND THE REST OF HIS THUGS THAT WHERE YOU BELONG NOT AT OLE MISS.

  143. Rebel To The End

    August 3, 2014 at 7:48 am

    If you don’t appreciate the Heritage & History of OLE MISS then why are you there are even worried about it? If you don’t like the Heritage then stay of Campus and let the one of us who do appreciate the Heritage go.

  144. BSdetector

    August 3, 2014 at 8:07 am

    They (White People) wont do anything…football season is coming…They’ll be fawning over their all black football team while drinking and puking on themselves.

  145. BSdetector

    August 3, 2014 at 8:21 am

    Because the majority of black people in the USA live in the south..

  146. BSdetector

    August 3, 2014 at 8:23 am

    The civil war was not over slavery for gods sake…where do you get your history from? Stop watching slave movies and read a GD history book.

  147. BSdetector

    August 3, 2014 at 8:30 am

    You sound like a zionist antifa scum bag….will you shut up if I give you a few shekels and a bong?

  148. BSdetector

    August 3, 2014 at 8:38 am

    Heres a little secret…there will always be racism…it will never die.

  149. BSdetector

    August 3, 2014 at 8:41 am

    americanjello rolls doesnt know whats hes taliking about…hes all worked up after watching “12 years a Slave”

  150. americanjello

    August 3, 2014 at 9:09 am

    Taxes, not tax’s. But keep telling yourself that.

  151. Farley

    August 3, 2014 at 10:14 am

    Agreed, Anon, from a fellow Greek.

  152. Farley

    August 3, 2014 at 10:17 am

    I love the heritage of our school. This school in the woods is wonderful and I want to see it rise to the ranks and be mentioned in the same breath as Vanderbilt, UVA and UNC in regards to academics. Part of us getting there is no stagnating. To many of y’all, appreciating your heritage means not moving forward and evolving as an institution. Many of you cite history, go study any culture, civilization, or organization that didn’t change with the times.
    Its Social Darwinism, survival of the fittest, grow stronger or die. Match the pack or fall behind to be fed upon the wolves. Ole Miss is making an effort to become a modern institution. You’d rather see it die for your “traditions”.

  153. Realist

    August 3, 2014 at 11:16 am

    Look at the ones putting up the most fight and screaming “reparations” and “entitlement”. It’s not the ones who grew up during the civil rights movement. It’s the ones of my generation (I’m 29 by the way). If you think my “pants down, no work ethic, late to job” is KKK propaganda, you’re foolish. I went to a public school with 85% blacks, I joined the Marine Corps at 18, fought beside many blacks, now I’m in Operations at FedEx and the majority of the lower level workers are black. One thing I’ve noticed is their lazy attitude and sentiments of entitlement. Am I throwing every black into this category? Absolutely not. When I speak in terms of “blacks” I’m referring to the majority. I’m fully aware that whites have our problems as well but it’s not on a large. One of two things exist here: 1. You won’t allow yourself to see the obvious or 2. You’re oblivious to the reality of the situation because you haven’t been exposed to it. As for your first sentence, “I’m a poor, abused white man” is simply a figment of your imagination. There might be a few “outliers” as I like to call them out there but these exceptions will always exist. Don’t categorize an entire group of people by the actions of a few. Seeing how we stand compared to 50 years is most certainly a measure of progression. The distance of our race has just been a little longer. In a foot race, if one person starts out with 3 miles to the finish line and another starts at 5 miles to the finish line, are you going to compare their current status once the 3 miler finishes and the 5 milers still has 2 miles remaining? No. I feel like I can’t argue with people like you because your train of thought isn’t based on solid ground. You’re idealistic point of view is not within the spectrum of reality. Would it be nice if we could all stand behind one idea? Of course! No one will deny. Fact of the matter, it’s not going to happen.

  154. bkt1965

    August 3, 2014 at 1:50 pm

    Getting rid of Ole Miss name sake will not help The University of Mississippi. Also getting rid of confederate names will not change history. To have an appreciation is to see the strides James Meredith made and not keep creating divisive white and black issues. There aren’t any or weren’t any racial tensions when I was there 25 years after segregation. Why do folks like you keep rehashing race? You got our flags removed at the games, our popular SEC mascot taken away replaced by a stupid Louisiana Black Bear. You’ll soon go after the nickname “Rebels.” Enough is enough.
    There are traditional black colleges for you that would be to your liking if you don’t feel Ole Miss has changed enough. I blame the alumni for letting this happen and continue. Bring back Colonel Rebel bring, back our flags at the games and keep Ole Miss from becoming another generic state school. If you forget the past you are doomed to repeat it.

  155. Rebel To The End

    August 3, 2014 at 1:52 pm

    I fell to see removing some names of streets and buildings will move Ole Miss forward ? If that be the case lets remove the name’s of all person on streets and building’s like MLK and other who played no part in the History of Ole Miss.

  156. Farley

    August 3, 2014 at 2:33 pm

    There’s no building or street on the campus with Martin Luther King’s name on it, that’s in the town itself, and part of the point in changing the names of some of the streets is changing it to be more representative of the diversity in the history of Ole Miss.
    And why even bring up MLK? You’re just showing your bias as someone who doesn’t want POC to be recognized on campus.

  157. Farley

    August 3, 2014 at 2:35 pm

    Anon, I read their website. They’re blatant racists and wouldn’t accept the membership of the PoC you mentioned. Here’s an excerpt from one of their “articles”;
    “Just
    a century ago, our civilization was still distinguished by a robustness
    and self-confidence born out of a realization of the natural
    superiority of the West and its ways. None but the most crack-brained
    utopians believed in social, political, economic,
    and cultural equality, nor did they believe in the equality of the
    races in intellect and accomplishment. Unfortunately, the present
    century has witnessed the old order turned upon its head.”
    https://leagueofthesouth.com/?page_id=65

  158. Anon Ymous

    August 3, 2014 at 3:00 pm

    The South is one of the most religious parts of the country. We often condemn the rest of the nation for abandoning Christian values yet we ourselves have been picking and choosing which parts of the Bible we like for hundreds of years. Hate created the situation we are in today. More hate only makes it worse. It’s sick and unnatural that you are proud to hate someone else for whatever reason. No, whites are just as much to blame for the condition of the South but our elitist attitude will never let us see it. Stop complaining and see the problem for what it is. Be a part in fixing it.

  159. Anon Ymous

    August 3, 2014 at 3:13 pm

    Ha. Wow. Earlier one of their members became upset when I used Nazi Germany in an example to highlight the mistakes of the past. I’m pretty sure what I just read screams elitism and racial suppression like that which was upheld by the Nazis. These white-power-skinhead-klansmen groups have no place in the future of America or the South. The world will not tolerate them. Education is the road to their (“white”) power. Not scare tactics and racial war. It is one of the biggest underlying causes of problems in the South. And people like Chris McDaniel exist who want to take it away?! WHAT? lol

  160. Rebel To The End

    August 3, 2014 at 3:34 pm

    My point in naming mlk street was why rename any streets?How will this even help? How has street names been a problem were the street bearing there names? When faculty and student who don’t like them were the street names in place when they arrived at Ole Miss?
    I don’t care if as you say POC are recognized are not just don’t take away the names of other persons who are part of Ole Miss & Mississippi History.

  161. Rebel To The End

    August 3, 2014 at 3:51 pm

    I plan to and maybe one day you with all your wisdom and knowledge you will understand the real reason for the Civil War Jello.

  162. J. C. Smith

    August 3, 2014 at 4:40 pm

    Shocking. I admit I completely flabbergasted by this. Will education still take place at Ole Miss? Or is all of history being erased there, too?

  163. Rebel by choice

    August 3, 2014 at 7:10 pm

    Can anyone name an educational institution that is 150 years old without segregation in it history? Jones needs to give this issue a rest. Jones apparently has surrounded himself with a bunch of hostile radicals filled with destructive hate. One misguided comrade dominates this discussion.
    Ole Miss already admits, scholarships, tutors(hand feeds), & graduates black students over more qualified white students. Maybe Jones can experience one of these graduates if he ever goes unattended to an emergency room.
    Jones, if Ole Miss is so offensive to you &your sick assistants, get a job somewhere else. BUT, who would hire you. Every other inistution has long since put this issue to rest & would certainly not like to revisit with your frequency.

  164. Farley

    August 3, 2014 at 8:34 pm

    And who’s name is Confederate drive named after?
    No one in specific, so I don’t see your point in how changing Confederate to Chapel poses any problems to you.

  165. Farley

    August 3, 2014 at 8:37 pm

    “I went to a public school with 85% blacks, I joined the Marine Corps at
    18, fought beside many blacks, now I’m in Operations at FedEx and the
    majority of the lower level workers are black. One thing I’ve noticed is
    their lazy attitude and sentiments of entitlement.”
    “Don’t categorize an entire group of people by the actions of a few.”
    Grade A el oh el.
    And even then, are you even said “Am I throwing every black into this category? Absolutely not. When I speak in terms of “blacks” I’m referring to the majority.”
    Have you met the majority of black people and gotten to know them enough to make an informed decision on their attitude? Probably not because that’d be in the Millions.

  166. Realist

    August 3, 2014 at 9:16 pm

    What?? So with your logic… No one can make an informed decision. The irony of my argument is that several of the black friends I have share the same sentiments. They’re fed up with the nasty attitude that’s giving their “people” a bad name. Can’t say I blame them… But hey, Grade A copy and paste post.

  167. Rebel To The End

    August 3, 2014 at 10:01 pm

    I would not expect you to see any problem you cant understand the History & Heritage of the Confederacy and THE OLE MISS “REBELS” its just to HONORABLE for your feeble mind and pea brain to grasp.

  168. Slim Smith

    August 4, 2014 at 6:01 am

    Well, there is YOUR expert opinion and THIS from the 1861:
    A Declaration of the Immediate Causes which Induce and Justify the Secession of the State of Mississippi from the Federal Union
    In the momentous step, which our State has taken of dissolving its connection with the government of which we so long formed a part, it is but just that we should declare the prominent reasons which have induced our course.
    Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery – the greatest material interest of the world. Its labor supplies the product, which constitutes by far the largest and most important portions of commerce of the earth. These products are peculiar to the climate verging on the tropical regions, and by an imperious law of nature, none but the black race can bear exposure to the tropical sun. These products have become necessities of the world, and a blow at slavery is a blow at commerce and civilization. That blow has been long aimed at the institution, and was at the point of reaching its consummation. There was no choice left us but submission to the mandates of abolition, or a dissolution of the Union, whose principles had been subverted to work out our ruin.

  169. bkt1965

    August 4, 2014 at 8:17 am

    Have you not read Mr. Lincoln’s and the radical Republican plans for the black race after the WBTS? Emancipation freed only slaves in The South. The Northern abolitionists did not want the freemen in their states, nor the responsibility to house them, educate and live amongst the newly freed slaves. The freemen were placed in camps left to die without Union care or guidance. This is the fallacy and deception that Southerners were cruel. Slavery was a Northern institution as well. Flourished in New England and the Northeast. Lincoln did not want the freemen going to The West for resettlement.

  170. Farley

    August 4, 2014 at 9:18 am

    Thanks for the completely rational and logical answer. You’ve really changed my mind about the whole thing.
    I didn’t realize I was pea brained, it just makes so much more sense now!
    But seriously, if you want to live in an archaic past, go right ahead, the rest of the world is going to leave you behind.

  171. Farley

    August 4, 2014 at 9:34 am

    Yes, that is the basis of my logic. You can never judge the whole by the actions of the few. You can’t generalize an entire race of people. You can generalize the people you know, but that’s not representative of an entire race. Those kinds of actions are discriminatory and disparaging to entire group of people.
    You are inherently believing that most African Americans are
    inherently inferior because of their “attitude”. Try basing it less on
    race, and more on socioeconomic levels, access to education, cultural
    influences, or even their parents, there’s a variety of different
    aspects that come into play with entitlement and aspirations. And it can happen across all races and socioeconomic levels.
    I go to school here and a lot of the kids I know and a lot more that I’ve observed, do piss poor in school (the sentiment of “C’s get degrees!”), get drunk every night on the Square, have no motivation in any of their extracurricular activities, and they don’t work for any of the money their parents give them, they blow it all on frivolous bullshit like booze and drugs.
    I used to be this way too, until I realized I was on the collegiate equivalent of Welfare. Waiting every week for my “allowance” so I could blow it all over the weekend and live off of cheap fast food for the rest of the week. I wised up and got a job, because I felt guilty for being wasteful. I knew the value of a dollar, something my parents instilled in me at a young age, and yet I just kept spending. So I decided to be productive and instead of consumptive.
    And even then, I know that these sentiments aren’t representative of the Ole Miss student. Because that’d be generalizing over twenty thousand students based on the single interactions one’s had over the course of four years. Those interactions probably totaling to maybe 800 actual intimate interactions over the years. You can’t judge a mass by just the fringe. You can’t make assumptions on an entire group of people just because you’ve met a few hundred of them.

  172. Realist

    August 4, 2014 at 12:25 pm

    “Try basing it less on race, and more on socioeconomic levels, access to education, cultural influences, or even their parents, there’s a variety of different aspects that come into play with entitlement and aspirations. And it can happen across all races and socioeconomic levels.” This statement holds a lot of truth… The problem is their cultural ideology. However, you still have to hold people accountable for their actions. Especially since ample opportunities for improvement are there to exploit.
    So what’s the solution? Maybe just time so the wounds can heal. Personally, I think it’s getting worse. Pumping an overabundance of entitlement programs into the system is like pumping steroids into a person. It’s not
    natural… The short-term effects might be beneficial but the long-term outcome will have an opposite effect. The “handouts” are based primarily on minorities and their impoverished socioeconomic levels. How about the government spend all this money going into entitlement programs on creating businesses so that we’re able to create more jobs and export more goods.
    To say that I’m inherently believing that blacks are inferior is a stretch. Not sure how you even came to that conclusion. Ridiculous. To put it simply, they’re less motivated.
    I strongly disagree with you on the criteria needed to make a sound judgement. According to your logic, no one can say whites were racist in the 60s. I’m not making an assumption off the actions of a “few”. In my opinion, I don’t need to have “intimate interactions” with someone to know where they stand on certain political issues. Is your experience around blacks primarily limited to the interactions on the Ole Miss campus? I went to State but I found myself in Oxford quite often throughout the years and can tell you with great confidence your experience is light years away from the reality of the black community.
    Yes, factors like you listed do exist that add to the weight of becoming “successful” for certain socioeconomic groups. But at the end of the day that’s irrelevant. The majority of people strive for a similar goal to be successful… To make money so that we may support a happy family. That goal remains in the same place regardless of where we started. I didn’t become stagnant when pursuing an education or a job because I saw other kids who came from prominent families while my parents were lower middle class. IT IS WHAT IT IS. These people have to be willing to help themselves before anyone else can help them and learn the value of earning what you receive. Earning what you receive breeds appreciation. Appreciation breeds a positive attitude.

  173. Rebel To The End

    August 4, 2014 at 12:39 pm

    Had left me behind in almost 70 years.

  174. Farley

    August 4, 2014 at 1:07 pm

    I think we should just agree to disagree. I don’t think we’re going to see eye to eye on this. You have beliefs that stem solely from Merit, and I, on the other hand, am a bit more empathetic to crappy situations. Nothing from an internet conversation is going to change those beliefs.

  175. K.r. Lombardia

    August 4, 2014 at 2:56 pm

    If you had read anything but the crap they fed you in high school you would have read that slavery was dying. Even Jefferson Davis said it would die naturally by 1870. A lot of people wouldn’t have died. And taxes were the main reason. Look at the Corwin Amendment. The Northern senators told the Southern senators they could keep their slaves, just don’t secede. The Southern senators said it wasn’t about slaves. If it was, why didn’t Lincoln say anything for two years? It was about keeping the union intact. Lincoln didn’t give a damn about the slaves. I wish your grandfather would come out of the grave and get you.

  176. txsaint

    August 4, 2014 at 5:35 pm

    Wow. Another one? Just google “Texas justification for slavery.” Google “Mississippi declaration of secession. ” Don’t believe me. Read it for yourself.

  177. Beau Diddly

    August 4, 2014 at 7:19 pm

    For over 20 years, I’ve asked the question for which there is no reasonable answer. Maybe HottyToddy.com can investigate. The board of trustees appoints the chancellor and every chancellor since the early 1980s have incrementally dismantled the tradition of the school. Incrementalism is the key, e.g., one comment stated it started with Col Reb. No, it started a couple of decades earlier. Since the board of trustees are appointed by the governor, why isn’t political pressure placed upon the governor, and previous governors over the last 20+ years. Each time a chancellor dismantles part of tradition, they are proverbially “flipping us the bird”. They don’t care, they’ll do what they wish until not one element of Southern tradition is left, because they are unelected…but the governor is.

  178. BSdetector

    August 5, 2014 at 6:41 am

    According to colonial records, the first slave owner in the United States was a black man.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Casor
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Johnson_%28colonist%29
    thats a bitch to find out eh?

  179. BSdetector

    August 5, 2014 at 6:48 am

    I lived in Albany GA…. your BS anti racist remarks dont sell here…I know what the facts about living around blacks…Im no elitist white boy either…Ive picked watermelons and moved center pivot irrigation in the hottest of summers most of my life.

  180. BSdetector

    August 5, 2014 at 6:54 am

    Sure Ill join the NAACP and LARAZA..will they let me in? Your argument is lost.

  181. BSdetector

    August 5, 2014 at 6:56 am

    Yet you tolerate..LARAZA and Black Panthers? If your going to mention racial hate groups why not mention them all?
    Do you even know what the jews were doing to Germany? …your a parrot…You have no idea wtf your talking about.

  182. Rebelyell51

    August 5, 2014 at 9:37 am

    This malarkey comes from one who, in all probability, has never even been on the OLE MISS campus. It’s obvious that the writer is jealous of the extreme loyalty that all alumni seem to have. It’s been several decades since I graduated from Ole Miss, but I still have Col. Rebel prominently displayed on my vehicles, and around by house along with “OLE MISS” and always will have. (and yes! I fly the confederate flag on my flagpole every day, just under the “stars and stripes”. Dr. Jones catows down to a smaller but very vocal, minority of Ole Miss grads and supporters. He will never have the deep love for Ole Miss the the “old grads” have. His interest lies primarily in “the next paycheck” and his reputation among the “educational elite”. But my interest lies primarily in “OLE MISS”!

  183. tipofthespear65

    August 5, 2014 at 11:54 am

    I dont even care to know what that means Jello

  184. Rebel Gene

    August 5, 2014 at 2:17 pm

    My dad and sister graduated Ole Miss law. I played football at Ole Miss and met my wife at the university. I love my Rebels. I’m black and I still love the school. But some of yall on this board make me want to never send my kids back there. Also, you Alabama folk stay in your own state please. Hotty Toddy!

  185. HottyToddy1848

    August 5, 2014 at 4:17 pm

    Fell? I am sorry to hear about your fall. I hope that you were not injured. I am unaware of any streets named after MLK at UM. Were you educated at UM or for the fact of the matter anywhere?

  186. TheKnowerseeker

    August 6, 2014 at 9:07 am

    I’m a white guy from Louisiana (though not a Southerner but a Cajun — my wife is a Southerner) who is in favor of removing all references to the Confederacy from public spaces (outside of museums) but leaving Confederate artifacts and exhibits intact within museums under proper respect for such history. That way, black Americans are not constantly reminded of the society that enslaved and abused their ancestors, while white Southerner Americans whose ancestors fought and died for their own freedom from the North’s tyranny are also given proper respect.
    What I’m not in favor of is the race-baiting, leftist political attack of replacing a Confederate name with a black civil rights name; sorry, but that’s a slap in the face. Let’s stick with “neutral” names like “Chapel Lane”, OK? Let unnamed landmarks — I don’t care how big or glorious they might be — go to historical black civil rights leaders; I do not mind that. But don’t rub your heal in the face of history and ancestry that matters to many Americans in the South. (By the way, Jim Crow, the KKK, and the inflammation of white racism toward blacks post Civil War happened as a direct result of the North’s abuse of Southerners both during and after the war. Heard of “carpetbagging”?)

  187. TheKnowerseeker

    August 6, 2014 at 9:13 am

    I’m a white and can’t argue with you there, though I don’t follow football myself (I’m a nerd), and I don’t drink (I’m a devout Southern Baptist).

  188. TheKnowerseeker

    August 6, 2014 at 9:16 am

    Yessir. It’s called “Cultural Marxism”.

  189. Marshall

    August 6, 2014 at 9:20 am

    Stand for the South’s history and way of life! Stand against Dan Jones!

  190. BaeBae Tedford

    August 6, 2014 at 3:15 pm

    I don’t doubt that one bit. Maybe you’re intelligent enough to read between those lines.

  191. Pat Hines

    August 6, 2014 at 4:58 pm

    We want blacks, and everyone else, to see our Confederate and southern symbols every day.
    Anyone coming to “Ole Miss”, or any other southern university, should expect to see our symbols and if they don’t want to see them, they should leave, at least the university, preferably the state.
    We’re done having blacks, and muddle-headed others, tell us how to run the schools and governments that our people founded and built.

  192. Pat Hines

    August 6, 2014 at 5:00 pm

    If you don’t want to send your children to your former school, don’t. You were privileged to be admitted, learn to live with that.
    That privilege could end.

  193. Farley

    August 6, 2014 at 11:38 pm

    Black Panthers did a lot for their communities though. You have to keep in mind what they were doing before they “militarized” (demonstrating their 2nd amendment, would think many of you would be in favor of such). Despite my disagreement with what they wanted as far as goals of Socialism goes, they did a lot to make sure that Police were working within and responsibly in the eyes of the law, provided food for the impoverished and did what they could to help bring up their neighborhoods. Not to mention that they shifted to a nonexclusive policy towards race relatively early in their movement.
    Comparing the Klan to the Black Panthers is laughable.

  194. BSdetector

    August 7, 2014 at 5:44 am

    The Black Panthers defended their race just as the KKK..so there is no difference.. also I dont compare subhuman immature races that cant pay water bills in Detroit and shit in the streets of Sierra Leone to white people…that would be laughable.

  195. Anon Ymous

    August 7, 2014 at 12:37 pm

    I was referring to modern day politics and the late tea party candidate. Not the North vs the South at all. I am Southern.

  196. Anon Ymous

    August 7, 2014 at 12:41 pm

    You obviously took what you wanted to from Ole Miss then and completely missed what the University stands for today. Also, Dr. Jones is more educated and much more in touch with modern day times that will contribute to the success of the University nationally than you will ever be. You just need someone to point a finger at when it’s the entire world that you have a problem with.

  197. Anon Ymous

    August 7, 2014 at 12:53 pm

    I’m not saying there isn’t a problem amongst the Black communities in the South. What I am saying is that we played a part in it becoming that way. By separating and cutting off education back in segregation times. There was a time when racism wasn’t seated for the reasons you described but instead because of elitism. We’ve always been racist, and it is created the situation of today. So your neo-racism is just a result of the seeds you sowed (you being white southerners). It is a combination of that kind of treatment plus lack of education/equal rights that has deeply damaged the southern black community. Instead of seeing this and trying to help reverse the damage, you just want to beat them down more. How are you better than elitists?

  198. Anon Ymous

    August 7, 2014 at 12:59 pm

    No it’s not, those aren’t hate groups those are groups trying to help people attain a better life due to the fact historically they haven’t had one. The modern KKK – “League of the South” group – stands for something completely different. Yet in their statements they do not directly say so. I believe YOUR argument is lost. Also, you are probably the worst BS detector I’ve ever seen.

  199. Anon Ymous

    August 7, 2014 at 1:06 pm

    These groups are/were fighting for civil rights in reaction to not having any. They are not fighting to be higher than other people. They want equality. Groups I mentioned above do not want equality, they want elitism. They want to suppress all other races and spout off ridiculous nonsense like that God only loves white people. If they didn’t exist in the first place, neither would the civil rights groups of the suppressed races. You need to educate yourself.

  200. BSdetector

    August 7, 2014 at 1:52 pm

    You were manipulated not educated my friend.

  201. BSdetector

    August 7, 2014 at 1:57 pm

    Whos fault is it they havent had a life..their own people/culture. You are not a southerner..I would bet your living in a northern city with a mild minority population…How can you spew tolerance when youve never had anyone to tolerate? It will never change…race will always be a factor no matter where you go…Good or bad it is a fact.

  202. Farley

    August 7, 2014 at 2:25 pm

    What has the KKK actively done to try to improve their communities to where one who would not agree with their ideology would still acknowledge as having improved the community in some way?

  203. Anon Ymous

    August 7, 2014 at 3:12 pm

    Right.

  204. Anon Ymous

    August 7, 2014 at 4:15 pm

    First of all, I live in Oxford, MS. I go to Ole Miss. My parents were born and raised in MS. My grandparents are from McComb and Kosciusko, MS. My ancestors were confederate soldiers and probably KKK members/sympathizers. Do not tell me I am not a southerner because I probably have more of a Southern heritage than you do. I am not ashamed to be Southern nor do I disown my ancestors. They only fell prey to human nature and that is not wrong. But I have also lived all over the world in many cultures and was not spoon fed one way of thinking my entire life by the people and singular environment around me. You won’t believe me, but you are in it and therefore can not see beyond the immediate things around you. If you could take a step back and realize how things got the way they are, you’d realize a lot. If you looked at history and sociology/anthropology you would see that it is not their fault. White people did not want them to have access to education. You can sugarcoat it however you like but in the end that is a massive source of the problem.
    Now just because we had a war, the attitudes of white power and elitism and resentment for non whites that was ever present in the South at the time wasn’t about to change overnight. That was a given. No one expected it to. But if former slaves had been better equipped to integrate into white society with equal access to education and therefore opportunity rather than being shunned and hated, you wouldn’t see a lot of the problems you find today. Everything trickles down from education. The way you raise your kids to value education comes from being educated. The way you instill civil values that bleed down generations comes from education. Modern civilization is a cycle that started somewhere. There was a time when white Europeans were considered barbarians by the Romans. How did they develop? Through the spread of technology/political philosophy/education by the Romans and Greeks (largely onset by the spread of religion that is naturally called for by religion). As we have seen with other highly different cultures coming to America and melting into the pot with the rest of society, they have managed to do well today and be better off than the people who remained where they came from. Why? Because no one stopped them from doing so. I’m not talking about modern day immigration, I’m talking about back when we were all considered immigrants.
    Use your head and take a step back to see all the details from history and how it’s affected your world today. There are many highly educated and successful African Americans alive that somehow found the chance to be so regardless of “culture” as you put it. You’re thinking that they are inherently inferior is the seed of racism and ignorance. Yes, anyone whose power is threatened will get defensive. (Whites had the power, and they faced losing it when slavery was abolished, so they naturally hated non-whites.) No one is pointing fat fingers at white people for exhibiting human nature. But let’s just see it for what it is and stop blinding ourselves by this notion that we are superior as living beings. That is nothing but self righteous, ludicrous, hate breeding thinking and what is most baffling is that the religion of white southerners teaches strongly against it! It’s blatant selective interpretation of these teachings (the Bible) that allows the blind to lead and create more blind in the South. And you think I am manipulated. Haha. I guess I am a different breed of Southerner. I’ve lived here for over 10 years. I have also lived in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. My entire life I’ve been representing the South and America in places you have probably never even heard of. I did not listen to a Northerner because I have never lived in the North. That is just your reaction to hearing the facts and not liking them. Instead of using conclusive arguments you want to fight back with irrelevant information that may blind others to support your case. Here’s it put simply for you–I just looked at the facts without hate in my heart. It would do you well to get out of your little comfort zone and take a look at the world without blind hate and ignorance and this chip on your shoulder that you are superior. If you can’t do that and still want to ignore simple cause and effect and just look at statistics, the South is at the sheer bottom today. We can either help it, it let it burn the way it’s going with your kind of thinking driving the train. Let’s help it.

  205. Anon Ymous

    August 7, 2014 at 7:38 pm

    If you were a compassionate man you’d let go of the proudly displayed hate you have in your heart for other human beings. I love how you’re trying so hard to sound smart! Go ahead and keep preaching racism, it’s time you learned what being in a minority is really like. The world will throw you away like you never existed.

  206. BSdetector

    August 8, 2014 at 5:12 am

    Keeping feral blacks out for one….look if you self loathing whites want to live among blacks please do….just dont ever come back to the white side of the tracks once you get your ass kicked.

  207. GeorgePurvis

    August 8, 2014 at 11:59 am

    and if everything Confederate is removed but the cemetery, how is this DIVERSITY???

  208. George Bishop

    August 8, 2014 at 3:13 pm

    Yep Pat Hines is one of the biggest racists I know and I am sure he embraces the racism that was once Ole Miss.

  209. George Bishop

    August 8, 2014 at 3:15 pm

    Speaking of low lives, Pat you are the biggest racist I know

  210. George Bishop

    August 8, 2014 at 3:16 pm

    Pat is not intelligent he is driven by one thing and one thing only…White Supremacy!

  211. George Bishop

    August 8, 2014 at 3:17 pm

    Ah, the LOS…one step away from Nazi Skinheads…they just haven’t shaved yet.

  212. George Bishop

    August 8, 2014 at 3:19 pm

    White Supremacist and a Misogynist to boot…LOL

  213. George Bishop

    August 8, 2014 at 3:23 pm

    See folks he is not shy about being a White Supremacist. He wants to be seen that way…it is his badge of honor because his daddy taught him how to hate.

  214. George Bishop

    August 8, 2014 at 3:33 pm

    Same can be said for you Patty…don’t like America go away!

  215. George Bishop

    August 8, 2014 at 3:34 pm

    You know Pattycakes, just because your ancestor was a racist and lost a war to a bunch of Yankees doesn’t mean you have to be like him, you can choose to be different.

  216. George Bishop

    August 8, 2014 at 3:35 pm

    Their “noble” cause was Slavery…you know that right?

  217. George Bishop

    August 8, 2014 at 3:36 pm

    SC said it was not over tariffs in their debates on secession.

  218. George Bishop

    August 8, 2014 at 3:37 pm

    Spoken like the true racist you are Pattycakes…you never disappoint.

  219. George Bishop

    August 8, 2014 at 3:38 pm

    Patty, you are all bark and no bite…you couldn’t remove a fly from your house.

  220. George Bishop

    August 8, 2014 at 3:40 pm

    Wow, now that is below the belt, but look who I am talking too…A racist mamma’s boy

  221. George Bishop

    August 8, 2014 at 3:42 pm

    Sadly for you Patty, that is not the case anymore. You ancestors lost a war and now your symbols are nothing more than a defeated symbol…LOL…and always will be…for the rest of time.

  222. sorleyboy

    August 8, 2014 at 5:35 pm

    Cleaners called. Your hammer and sickle robe is ready.

  223. Pat Hines

    August 8, 2014 at 6:03 pm

    Calling me a racist simply means you’re anti-white. Otherwise, it’s a word empty of meaning, George.

  224. Pat Hines

    August 8, 2014 at 6:05 pm

    It’s okay, George. One day, you’ll get up and wonder how you ended up in jail.
    Then, at that point, I’ll explain it to you, from the other side of the bars.

  225. Pat Hines

    August 8, 2014 at 6:06 pm

    Thanks, George. Every time you call me that, the idea it generates is “pro-white”.
    That’s what I am, George, I advocate for the white, southern race.

  226. Pat Hines

    August 8, 2014 at 6:09 pm

    I have great pride in my Confederate ancestors, particularly my Great Grandfather. After he wore the Confederate gray, he was in the Ku Klux Klan and helped to save the south from the United States army of occupation and the 12 year reign of terror they imposed upon us.
    God bless the south.

  227. Kim Essary Vinson Wylie

    August 8, 2014 at 7:53 pm

    Now, we have, yet another reason to march. Dan
    Jones and the administration at Ole Miss intend to remove all Southern
    heritage. I can’t think of many things, more important, that coming out
    on Aug 9 and making a stand. Please help us. See comments
    for link Chancellor Jones Announces Plan for Leadership on Race Issues
    and Diversity Please Mississippi lets make a stand it is our history and
    heritage we can not let them take that away. Would they do that in
    Washington DC ? God Bless Dixie Terry Mitchell Scv MC Click on the link for info where we will be meeting https://www.facebook.com/events/251388454985366/?ref=2&ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

  228. Kim Essary Vinson Wylie

    August 8, 2014 at 7:58 pm

    Anyone who cares to stake a stand please feel free to come. To the people of Oxford please come together to help save our history and heritage Dont let the politically incorrect take away your rights.

  229. Rebel Bill

    August 8, 2014 at 8:11 pm

    New Jersey is calling you home George.

  230. Rebel Bill

    August 8, 2014 at 8:12 pm

    We used to have a name for people like you Farley. It’s scalawag. The rest of us love our heritage and our ancestors.

  231. Rebel Bill

    August 8, 2014 at 8:14 pm

    Don’t come back. WTF kind of name is “BaeBae” anyhow?

  232. Rebel by choice

    August 9, 2014 at 12:22 pm

    Dan Jones is the hand picked puppet of former Chancellor Robert Khayat as a means to continue the dismantling of anything & all things Southern at Ole Miss. As the Ole Miss family gathers on 9/13, it should become the “NO JONES” day!

  233. Rebel by choice

    August 9, 2014 at 3:40 pm

    Other than the negative attention this plans draws to Ole Miss, my biggest objection is the special vice chancellor position. Like Jones, this new vice chancellor’s only reason for existence will be to remove any healing scab, keep stirring up trouble. Ole Miss, the most notable nickname of ANY university, two years ago received tremendous favorable press with its football recruiting class. Ole Miss could have never purchased this much outstanding publicity. Jones, using a non criminal, college prank to initiate his plan, uses every excuse to cast the University in a negative light. Ole Miss is finally getting some optimism in its football program( the MOST financially advantageous aspect of the University), & here comes Jones, & his little ban of Southern hate moungers,too pour cold water on the Rebels. Does Arkansas or Alabama do this? Were they not integrated the same year & in the same manner as Ole Miss? Alabama even had presidential candidate George Wallace out front.
    Jones are you determined to destroy the University?
    For one who claims to be a Christian, you sure are full of hate!
    For you savy computer folks, make 9/13 “NO JONES DAY”!

  234. Farley

    August 10, 2014 at 11:49 pm

    Race is a social construct. It is not real. Its a fabricated system for organization.

  235. BSdetector

    August 11, 2014 at 6:19 am

    Your right…blacks make horrible athletes and Asians suck at math.
    We are all equal…thats why you they affirmative action? Stop trying to put dumb pegs in smart holes.

  236. Fan

    September 25, 2014 at 11:22 pm

    From wikipedia – African Burial Ground National Monument at Duane Street and African Burial Ground Way (Elk Street) in the Civic Center district of Lower Manhattan, New York City preserves a site containing the remains of more than 400 Africans buried during the late 17th and 18th centuries in a portion of what was the largest colonial-era cemetery for people of African descent, some free, most enslaved. Historians estimate there may have been 15,000–20,000 burials in what was called the “Negroes Burial Ground” in the 1700s.
    If you will research, slavery was also legal in many northern states until after the war.

  237. Anonymous

    September 30, 2014 at 9:45 pm

    Not an Ole Miss grad. But I can’t believe that anybody would even think about trying to do what these idiots are thinking about doing. I have always respected the school for their southern heritage and spirit. These ideas will kill that and make Ole Miss a substandard school. Shame on them. I hope the students and alumni put a stop to this unbelieve move.

  238. penis penis

    October 4, 2014 at 5:05 am

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  239. bill

    March 8, 2017 at 10:47 am

    If the University does that then they need to return the money plus interest on the building back to the descendants. This would be a great class action lawsuit that would have legs.

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