OXFORD, Miss. — A Confederate history group is up in arms over proposed changes at Ole Miss.
The Sons of Confederate Veterans filed a lawsuit to stop the university from making changes, like renaming Confederate Drive, a street that runs through part of the campus.
It’s the latest controversy as Ole Miss works to improve its image following the defacing in February of the James Meredith statue behind the Lyceum Building.
Many students are eager to move away from all the negativity.
The mood on the Ole Miss campus Friday could only be described as festive as the school geared up for a weekend football battle between the Rebels and the University of Memphis Tigers.
Sophomore Robert Christian was hoping for a Rebel victory.
“People are really excited. We really hope for a big win against Memphis,” said Christian.
The Grove was filled with students staking their claim to some prime real estate, a ritual before every Rebels home game.
Ole Miss Senior Skiey Hardin said the party atmosphere was contagious.
“As you can see everyone is mingling, playing football in the Grove, having a great time,” said Hardin.
There was some talk about changes by Chancellor Dan Jones, aimed at making the university more racially diverse.
One involves changing the name of Confederate Drive, a short street near Fraternity Row, to Chapel Lane.
Another suggests adding plaques to explain the history of symbols on campus. Like the Confederate soldier statue near the Lyceum building.
Ole Miss Senior Robyn Simmons said there’s been too much attention focused on perceived racial division at the University.
“I don’ t think it will just go away completely, but we’re really making a good effort to shine a light on things that are going on, on campus, that are positive,” said Simmons.
Sophomore Lauren Asplundh said student relations seem good to her.
“I think everyone’s really friendly on campus. I think everyone’s really excepting and doesn’t judge anyone by how they look and how they act,” said Asplundh.
September 22nd through the 27th is Racial Reconciliation Week on the Ole Miss campus, featuring seminars promoting racial equity and encouraging dialogue on the topic.
This is the second year the University’s Department of Athletics and the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation have teamed up to present the program.
Jennifer Saxon is Assistant Athletic Director for Student Athlete Development at Ole Miss.
“We have been able to make sure that we have created positive programming for our campus. And that’s what the end goal is. We want to provide education and celebrate positive movement,” said Saxon.
There is one change, however, that everyone is in favor of: Friday afternoon, the university officially changed the name of Coliseum Drive to Chucky Mullins Drive.
Chucky Mullins was the Ole Miss football player left paralyzed by a game injury in 1989. He died in 1991.
