NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A private school has decided to remove a confederate statue from their campus after a petition was signed by nearly 300 people.
On Montgomery Bell Academy’s campus there’s a statue of confederate soldier Sam Davis, and neighbors like Ahmed Karan know it well. “This is part of that school, and it’s a nice piece of art.”
In the midst of the black lives matter movement, an alum started a petition to remove it. Robert Hill said he understands some people see the statue as a sign of systematic racism.
“I mean I definitely understand people’s frustration, I think there’s a lot going on that hasn’t changed,” Hill said.
Shortly after the petition circulated, MBA said they would remove the statue. They posted a statement on Facebook:
The petition creator, Matt Miccioli, responded:
I'm pleased MBA is taking down the Sam Davis statue. It's a small but necessary step toward addressing 400 years of racial injustice in America. If a single student of color feels more comfortable on campus as a result, the decision will have been worthwhile. But, it's important to note the statue would not be coming down without the current nationwide movement being led by people of color. Black lives matter. Please donate to the Equal Justice Initiative and Nashville Community Bail Fund.
Hill said, “I pretty much feel that it’s a part of history, and you can’t really hide history. I mean it’s best to educate yourself on it so you don’t repeat it, and if you started moving everything that reminds you of the history, I think people start forgetting it, and you may relapse.”
While Robert Hill and Ahmed Karan believe it’s okay to remove the statue from MBA, they both think it should be put somewhere else.
Karan said, “For example put it in a museum that way we’re not going to take that statue and get all that history, and just throw it in the dumpster.”
According to Montgomery Bell Academy's social media, the statue will be off campus within the week.
