The athletics department at the University of Virginia has changed its logo from two-crossed sabers with serpentine handles due to a reference to slavery, reports CNN.
According to the university, the serpentine handles were a reference to walls on campus that were used to keep the enslaved people out of public view. The original walls were built in the 1820s but then torn down to create more room for the university pavilions.
The sabers are now depicted with smoother handles.
“After the release of our new logos on April 24th, I was made aware of the negative connotation between the serpentine walls and slavery,” said athletic director Carla Williams on Monday.
“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.”
In another statement, Willaims continued, “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.”