Jefferson Statue on UVA Lawn Vandalized

The sitting statue of President Thomas Jefferson on the University of Virginia Lawn was vandalized, likely during the overnight hours.

The statue had the words “Racist + Rapist” spray-painted in red on it early Friday, April 13. Crews had cleaned off the words later Friday morning.

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The university said it recognizes the complexities of Jefferson’s legacy and continues to explore them fully and honestly. {snip}

Friday marks Founder’s Day, which celebrates Jefferson’s 275th birthday. He founded the University of Virginia in 1819.

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