The first stop on Governor Northam’s shameless “reconciliation tour” wasn an event at Virginia Union University, a historically black school. The event was meant to acknowledge students who protested segregation in Richmond 60 years ago.
While Northam was invited by the school’s administration, the students requested that he not attend, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Student body president Jamon Phenix voiced concerns that Northam was using black institutions and leaders to get gather cover for his KKK photo.
Northam agreed to their request in a letter he sent back to Phenix.
“I appreciate the original invitation of VUU’s administration, but I will abide by the students’ wishes,” Northam wrote. “I accept the Student Government Association’s invitation for future dialogue and honest conversation on issues of race, reconciliation, and equity.”
About the Author
It is always a sad day whenever we see, hear or read that someone is denied the right to free speech. I do not agree with a lot of things Gov. Northam does, has done, and will not do. There is another side to the coin, and that one tells me the man should not be shut down by narrow minded students.
In my opinion, the administration of this school has taught these students a lesson that has no place in America. The man is our Governor. Listen to him. You don’t have to agree, but your anger and bullying does not get more attention than his right to speak and celebrate the history of this Commonwealth. Anger and negativity never accomplish anything positive.