VMI votes to remove Stonewall Jackson statue

Virginia Military Institute’s Board of Visitors voted Thursday to remove the prominent statue of Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson as pressure builds for the state- supported military school to address allegations of racism. The Board’s vote follows a tumultuous month for the 181-year- old school in Lexington, where Black cadets described an atmosphere of hostility and bigotry. The Board’s decision follows a Washington Post report this month detailing relentless racism at the school. As a result, Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam ordered an independent investigation into the school’s culture. VMI’s superintendent, retired General J.H. Binford Peay III, resigned Monday.