ALLENDALE, MI -- Grand Valley State University’s president is urging Allendale Township to relocate a Civil War statue featuring a Confederate soldier on display in a township park.
In a letter sent to Allendale Township Supervisor Adam Elenbaas Friday, GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella suggested the statue be moved from the veterans display to a different location. Grand Valley’s main campus is in Allendale.
“First, given the discord between the statue’s educational value and its symbolism, I would request consideration of relocating it within the township to a space that would allow for proper historical context and dialogue,” Mantella wrote in the June 25 letter.
The statue is currently located within the township’s Veterans Garden of Honor in Allendale Community Park. This memorial, off Lake Michigan Drive and 68th Avenue, features nine life-sized monuments, each of which depict a single soldier, aside from the statue in question.
RELATED: Group trying to get controversial Confederate soldier statue removed ‘does not give up easily'
The controversial statue features a Union soldier standing back-to-back with a Confederate soldier, each holding their respective flags. An enslaved child is depicted at the base of the statue holding a sign stating, “Freedom to slaves.”
A Michigan civil rights group, the Michigan Association of Civil Rights Activists (MACRA), has requested that township officials remove the Confederate soldier statue. A protest also is planned for 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
MLive/The Grand Rapids Press was unable to reach Mantella or Elenbaas for comment.
The letter comes days after the township’s board welcomed public comment on the issue during a meeting Monday evening. The following morning, Elenbaas announced the board will likely vote to keep the statue. The board is expected to official vote on the matter during a special meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday.
In Mantella’s letter to Elenbaas, she described the university’s stance on the debate taking place within the township.
“We have a keen interest in your decision, and while our nation’s history is complex, the harm and symbolism the statue represents to our Black and underrepresented community is real, no matter the intentions of the artist,” Mantella wrote.
Over 10,000 students and hundreds of university faculty and staff reside in Allendale Township during the academic year, according to Mantella.
In an effort to increase understanding of the issues stirred up by the statue, Mantella also offered to provide the support of university experts in fields such as sociology and history.
“We offer to be a part of deepening understanding about the Civil War, slavery, inclusion and why statues such as this arouse passion and pain,” Mantella wrote. “We can also discuss the role of artifacts in informing our journey and explore the relationship to our value and movements today.”
According to protest organizers, some university officials are expected to attend the protest.
The peaceful protest is scheduled to start at 12:30 p.m. at the statue, beginning with a song and prayer. The group plans to have several speakers from the community.
Organizers encourage those in attendance to practice social distancing, wear masks and adhere to CDC guidelines.
More from MLive:
Michigan reports 389 new coronavirus cases, 1 new death
History and character highlight Jackson condominium home listed for $369K
Asian Tiger mosquitoes reappear in Michigan