College town in western KY passes resolution calling for removal of statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee

robert-e-lee-statue-06-29
robert-e-lee-statue-06-29

A western Kentucky city has passed a resolution asking county officials to remove a century-old Confederate statue from the community’s courthouse.

The Murray City Council voted unanimously Thursday night on the resolution that asks Calloway County Fiscal Court to “expeditiously remove and relocate” the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, news outlets reported.

The city’s vote came at the request of Sherman Neal, an assistant football coach at Murray State University. Neal, who is black, asked in May for the statue’s removal.

Danny Hudspeth, the only black council member, said he believes removing the statue “is the right thing to do, and now is the time.”

Council member Dan Miller said Lee has no connection to Calloway County so removing his likeness should not be difficult.

County Attorney Bryan Ernstberger has said he’s researching the issue because it’s not clear who owns the statue, which is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and by the Kentucky Military Heritage Commission. He said it’s not clear whether the county has the authority to move the statue or what steps would have to be taken.

County officials likely won’t vote on the matter until the research is complete and they are able “to accurately measure the will of the people of Calloway County.”

(Photo of statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee courtesy of Change.org)

The Associated Press