Niya Bates, a graduate student studying the history of enslavement, told the Post, “I’m excited to see our community finally dealing with symbols of white supremacy.” She is working to implement a new state law that requires UVA and four other public colleges in the state to identify and memorialize the individuals who were enslaved on their grounds and to provide scholarships and other reparations to their descendants. “Symbols have power,” Bates said. “This is a good way to start a conversation about meaningful systemic change.”