FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) – A southwest Florida NAACP chapter is once again urging Lee County officials to remove, replace or alter a portrait of Gen. Robert E. Lee hanging in the commission chambers.
Lee County said during a commission meeting Tuesday that the portrait represents treason against the United States. Lee County is named after Lee, who commanded the Confederate army during the Civil War.
Muwakkil called the portrait of Lee in his Confederate uniform a hateful symbol. Muwakkil said he wouldn’t be opposed to a portrait of Lee in different clothing.
Commission Chairman Brian Hamman told The News-Press that he doesn’t think any of the commissioners are interested in removing the portrait, which has been hanging for more than 80 years. Hamman said a portrait of Lee in different clothing ultimately wouldn’t make anyone happy.
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