The University of Virginia is changing the logos it uses for its athletics teams just two months after they were unveiled following criticism that their particular design referred to the school’s history with slavery.
Fans raised objections to the serpentine curves put on the handles of the sabres below the V for Virginia and on the Cavalier shield.
“After the release of our new logos on April 24th, I was made aware of the negative connotation between the serpentine walls and slavery,” athletic director Carla Williams said in a statement. “I was not previously aware of the historical perspective indicating the original eight-foot-high walls were constructed to mask the institution of slavery and enslaved laborers from public view.
“Over the last few weeks, I have worked to better educate myself and that education will continue.
“There was no intent to cause harm, but we did, and for that I apologize to those who bear the pain of slavery in our history. As such, we have redesigned the logos to remove that detail. All other aspects of the logos will remain the same.”
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Fans who purchased apparel with the new logo are being asked to email the Virginia athletic department.
