University Of Virginia Changes Athletics Logo Due To Reference To Slavery

The University of Virginia says the school's athletic program will change its logo because it contained a reference to the university's history with slavery.

The university said then that the "detail was added to the grip of the sabres that mimics the design of the serpentine walls found on Grounds."

"After the release of our new logos on [April 24], I was made aware of the negative connotation between the serpentine walls and slavery," Athletic Director Carla Williams said in a statement from the athletic department.

When the logo was initially unveiled, media studies professor Meredith D. Clark was among those who spoke out against the design.

The new logo will have smooth sabre handles instead of curved ones.