Jackson Free Press

The For immediate release Statement of Jake Martin, President of the Delta Gamma Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity:

“Recent events on the campus of our college, The University of Mississippi, were insensitive, harmful to student campus life, and criminal. The individuals or group found responsible for the desecration of the James Meredith statue should be dealt with in the most appropriate severe manner. The Meredith campus symbol stands not only to honor a great man but to recognize the courage that brought needed change to our school and our state.

"We fully support the swift action of Chancellor Dan Jones and are proud of our Alumni Association for their immediate response. We pledge to honor the commitment this University and its leadership have shown to rectify this situation as quickly as possible.

"Let me be clear—Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity was not given the opportunity sign a letter of support along with our fellow fraternities. Phi Kappa Tau, however, is ready and willing to step forward and lead. We ask our campus, communities, and state to stand with the Ole Miss Administration and students who are working to address this serious situation.

Our fraternity has reached out to the historically black fraternities on this campus to let them know that we support efforts to swiftly and forcefully address this matter. At this crucial moment for our campus, we stand alongside all those working to make the University of Mississippi the very best it can be."