Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - The statue of Senator Harry Byrd will be leaving Capitol Square in the near future. The State Senate overnwhelmingly voted to remove the statue. Byrd was the architect of "Massive Resistance," which shut schools for four years in some cases over opposition to integration.
Senator Jill Vogel (R-Fauquier), who represents Byrd's home base of Winchester, argued against removal. Vogel says Massive Resistance is a great stain, but Byrd is also responsible for a number of Virginia's legacies, including pay as you go funding, and improvements to transportation. Senator Jennifer McClellan (D-Richmond), however, called Capitol Square Virginia's most prominent park, and Byrd's oppositon to integration should not be recognized.
The House of Delegates had already approved removal.
