Will announced the college’s plan in the following memo to the college community and public:

“To members of the Gettysburg College community:

As most of you are undoubtedly aware, there has been much discussion in and around campus about an art exhibit that opens on Friday, Sept. 3.

Artist John Sims’ exhibition, “Recoloration Proclamation: The Gettysburg Redress” will open and continue as planned.

Foremost in our minds are ways to safely and securely engage the College community, stimulate constructive discussion and share information.

The following statement has been presented to the media, the students and the faculty, and it represents the College’s official position.

Sincerely,

Katherine Haley Will”

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"As President of Gettysburg College, I affirm clearly and strongly our collective commitment to freedom of expression and artistic integrity.

We understand the provocative nature of John Sims’ exhibition, “Recoloration Proclamation: The Gettysburg Redress,” and we recognize and accept the controversy it has generated.

In a free and open society, all people have the right to express their views.

I am also deeply mindful of the safety and security of all members of our community.

While we respect the rights of others to voice concerns and dissent, we will insist that all abide by the laws of the Commonwealth and the regulations of the College.

To permit an orderly viewing of the works, the entire exhibition — including the installation titled “The Proper Way to Hang the Confederate Flag” — will be mounted inside Schmucker Gallery.

Gettysburg College is a vibrant liberal arts college, and artistic exhibits such as this one are part of that vibrancy.

All such colleges offer provocative ideas and events that stimulate criticism, self-reflection, and engagement in the issues of the world.

Controversy in such activities is inevitable.

Moreover, it is especially appropriate for Gettysburg College to host this exhibition.

Our students and faculty stood witness to the horror of the battle, and they walked together to hear President Abraham Lincoln dedicate a cemetery and issue his call for “a new birth of freedom.”

We have a special responsibility not only to memorialize, but also to examine and continually reinterpret the symbols, events and meanings of the Civil War.

While artist John Sims’ work is understood as a desecration to some, to others it represents a creative and healing transformation.

I am grateful for the support of those in our larger community who understand our purposes and who share the commitment to maintain freedom in the face of controversy and intimidation.”

Katherine Haley Will                                                                               President,                                                                                                                          Gettysburg College