FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2020
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - In June, the City of Charlottesville filed a petition for appeal in the case of Payne v. Charlottesville to the Virginia Supreme Court. That case will be heard Friday morning, November 6, 2020.
“This is an important case for Charlottesville,” said Acting City Manager John Blair. “The City is very fortunate to have Lisa Robertson, our Acting City Attorney, representing the interests of our community in this matter, a case on which she has labored extensively over the past three years.”
The issues in this case contributed to the passing of legislation earlier this year in the Virginia General Assembly. The legislation, which took effect July 1, grants local control over the disposition of monuments or memorials for war veterans, and eliminates prior restrictions on removal of war memorials, including Confederate monuments.
However, a Charlottesville Circuit Court injunction related to the City’s statues of Robert E. Lee and Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson remains in place. The Supreme Court will determine whether the City of Charlottesville remains subject to the Circuit Court’s injunction.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Virginia Supreme Court will be meeting virtually to hear the case. Ms. Robertson will make her presentation from Charlottesville City Hall beginning around 9:30 a.m.
"We wish Ms. Robertson the best as she presents our case to the Virginia Supreme Court and with our deepest appreciation,” said Charlottesville City Councilor Heather Hill. “Her time and commitment to this case is truly extraordinary and there is no one better prepared to present Charlottesville's position."
Media Contact
Brian Wheeler
Director of Communications
City of Charlottesville
434-970-3129
wheelerb@charlottesville.gov
