The famously conservative Christian university Pensacola Christian College has kicked out a senior student for a Confederate display in Charlottesville the week after the deadly “United the Right” rally. North Carolina native Allen Armentrout drove to Charlottesville, decked himself out in a 19th-century uniform, rifle, Confederate flag and all, and saluted the statue of Robert E. Lee that stands in the center of the town.
His actions drew a slew of counterprotests from Charlottesville residents, who can be heard chanting “racist go home” in an online video. One counterprotester held her middle fingers in his face for the better part of 30 minutes, inspiring a whole meme.
Armentrout told reporters that he is not a racist, and wants people to know what he calls the “true history” of the Civil War. In his mind, the war’s “true history” does not seem to include an army that rebelled against the United States so it could protect the institution of slavery, a notion that would probably baffle the men who actually fought in it.
“I have been released from my school and will be unable to return to college to finish my senior year,” Armentrout told reporters. “I’m processing this and making adjustments to my life to compensate for this scrutiny.”
In a statement, Pensacola said that “Pensacola Christian College recognizes the dignity and value of all people, and we respect the history of America. We encourage individuals to exercise discernment and seek to build reconciliation, especially during a time of mourning like Charlottesville is experiencing.”
