Seal of the Governor
For Immediate Release: October 27, 2020
Contacts: Office of the Governor: Alenaa Yarmosky, Alena.Yarmosky@governor.virginia.gov

Governor Northam Statement on Circuit Court Ruling in Lee Monument Case

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam issued the following statement after Richmond Circuit Court Judge W. Reilly Marchant ruled in his favor in Taylor v. Northam, affirming the Governor’s authority to remove the Robert E. Lee monument.

“The Lee monument was built to celebrate the Confederacy and uphold white supremacy. This victory moves Virginia forward in removing this relic of the past—one that was erected for all the wrong reasons.

“I am grateful to Attorney General Mark Herring and his team for their tremendous work on this case. Today we are one step closer to a more inclusive, equitable, and honest Virginia.”

 

While Judge Marchant ruled in the Governor’s favor, he is prohibiting action to remove the Lee monument pending appeal. Plaintiffs may file a notice of appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court within the next 30 days.

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