Letter to W&L Alumni group

From: vaproto@optonline.net

Washington and Lee University, Office of Alumni Affairs, Lexington, Virginia 24450

Waller (Beau) T. Dudley,  Executive Director of Alumni Affairs  wdudley@wlu.edu

Thomas D. Lovell, Associate Director of Alumni Affairs  tdlovell@wlu.edu

Mary Webster, Assistant Director for Engagement  mwebster@wlu.edu

Lady and Gentlemen:

There is no need to reiterate what has happened at your university yet, it would help if some of the misinformation surrounding the matter were dispelled. These "students" are hardly that; they are professional race-baiters wedded to the crusade to destroy the heritage, history, heroes and symbols of the South in the name of "civil rights." Unfortunately, as with Eric Holder, these particular crusaders do not believe that such rights extend to anyone but those of their race—a concept that cannot be more un-American.

Of course, given that most of today's academia is slightly to the left of Chairman Mao, one can be sure that the Administration of Washington & Lee had no problems with this "demand." Indeed, it is possible—if not probable—that there was collusion in the matter and that the entire affair was as spontaneous as a Broadway play.

But be that as it may, there is one truism in today's world; that is, that the "bottom line" trumps just about everything else including ideology. As long as these conspirators don't have to pay for their actions, the matter will remain where it presently rests. And, of course, that fact gives power to the alumni of Washington & Lee as represented by yourselves. You have an opportunity to put an end to this farce which pretends that these were merely innocent "students" who didn't realize that while attending Washington & Lee—in Virginia!—they  might be forced to view an historical symbol which would offend their delicate egos. However, you should understand this: if you fail to make use of the power you have, then you will not be able to use it when the next group of "students" demands the removal of all vestiges of the man who saved your university from oblivion.

It is to be hoped that sufficient intestinal fortitude remains among the former students of this institution that you will go forward to have these symbols of a noble man and his equally noble cause restored. This is your moment; only you can seize it—or not.

Valerie Protopapas, Huntington Station, New York.