On this page you will find the final report submitted by the members of the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on History and Context to University of Mississippi Chancellor Jeffrey Vitter.
For Dr. Vitter’s response to the CACHC Final Report, please click here.
Click here to download the PDF of the final report.
At the September 21, 2017 meeting of the Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning, the following motion was passed in commendation of the work of the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on History and Context:
The Board discussed that considerable attention has been paid in recent years and months to issues involving universities, communities, and state and local governments around the country concerning the possible relocation or modification of historical monuments and changes to the names of buildings and institutions.
The Board understands the widely-divergent and strongly-held views on these issues held by persons of goodwill. Differences of opinion are inevitable in any group of people — in countries and states, and even in families. Thus, the task for universities, as well as for the people of this State, is to deal with these divergent opinions and perspectives in a way that is consistent with our core values as Americans. Those core values include a recognition that all of us have equal rights under the law— including the right to hold and express our own opinions and views.
It is in light of those core values that the Board recognizes and appreciates the work of the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on History and Context at the University of Mississippi, for its comprehensive and positive work performed in evaluating various sites on the University campus and the appropriate way to clarify their historical context. The Committee sought views from many constituencies of the University and conducted an open discussion of the various and competing views in a respectful and thoughtful manner. While the results could not possibly satisfy everyone on every issue, the process resolved those issues in a manner that is entitled to respect. Thus, the process used by the University has served the University well. Accordingly, the Board commends the Committee and the general principles which it employed in bringing the committee’s assigned tasks to what the Board considers to be a resolution and conclusion on behalf of the University. We express our appreciation to all who participated in that process.
On motion by Trustee Dye, seconded by Trustee Pickering, with Trustee McNair participating by phone and not voting, all Trustees legally present and participating voted unanimously to commend the Committee.