Gov. Bob McDonnell issued a statement yesterday in which he apologized for failing to acknowledge slavery in his declaration Tuesday that April 2010 would be Confederate History Month in Virginia. Language condemning the institution of slavery will be added to the proclamation, McDonnell said.
The original proclamation commemorates the month when Virginia joined the Confederacy and comes right before an expected influx of tourists from the Civil War's 150th anniversary, McDonnell said.
The original text stated, "All Virginians can appreciate the fact that when ultimately overwhelmed by the insurmountable numbers and resources of the Union Army, the surviving, imprisoned and injured Confederate soldiers gave their word and allegiance to the United States of America, and returned to their homes and families to rebuild their communities in peace."
Now, however, the proclamation will include the following language acknowledging slavery's role in the war.
In particular, the language will read, "It is important for all Virginians to understand that the institution of slavery led to this war and was an evil and inhumane practice that deprived people of their God-given inalienable rights and all Virginians are thankful for its permanent eradication from our borders, and the study of this time period should reflect upon and learn from this painful part of our history."
Regardless of the apology, the governor's proclamation still could be seen as a political misstep.
"Even though he has apologized in the face of a firestorm, this controversy will follow the governor for a long time," Politics Prof. Larry Sabato stated in an e-mail. "And it's been a public relations disaster for him and for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Every network carried the story and Virginia looked as bad as I have seen in years."
Rick Turner, president of the Albemarle-Charlottesville branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said he was disappointed but not surprised when he heard about the original proclamation.
"One thing this says to me is Gov. McDonnell will prove to be one of the most racially divisive governors in history," he said.
In particular, Turner said he believes McDonnell made the proclamation to gain support from conservative voters.
"Those of us who are aware of politics knew that he would follow segregationist politics of past politicians in the south," he said.
McDonnell's proclamation is not unprecedented. Former Gov. George Allen, a Republican, also declared a Confederate History Month in 1997. The two Democratic governors who served after Allen and before McDonnell, meanwhile, did not issue similar proclamations.
Fourth-year College student Dionna Ali said the proclamation perpetuates false perceptions of Civil War history.
"It is this whole idea of white honor and making civil war not about slavery," Ali said.
Fourth-year College student Lynn Nichols, however, said the month could still be a representation of Southern heritage.
"I understand now that there's a great deal of pride in Southern history and culture," she said. "While it may be somewhat insensitive, it's important to recognize Southern pride."
First-year College student Neil Ripley added that it is particularly important to remember historical events as they occurred, rather than attempting to cover them up.
"I don't think we should forget history," he said. "I do think it's important to have some kind of remembrance, since Virginia played such a large role in the conflict."
Second-year Engineering student Josh Kaup also added that the event does not necessarily have to be offensive.
"I don't really have a problem with it personally," he said. "It's just part of history - although maybe a day would be more appropriate."
Overall, however, many political moderates are expected to view the proclamation in a negative light.
"Even the Richmond Times-Dispatch, which strongly backs McDonnell, has denounced the proclamation," Sabato said. "It may please some conservative GOP activists, but Gov. McDonnell already has them in his corner. This action alienates moderates. It's a throwback to Ol' Virginny when most people have gladly left that era behind"
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