Heritage Violation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore Maryland
 
The Maryland Division, United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Col. Harry  W. Gilmor Camp #1388,  Sons of Confederate Veterans sponsor  an  annual  General Lee and General Jackson  Birthday Ceremony each year in January on the Saturday nearest  to the birthdays of Generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. Over the years, the ceremony has included participants from numerous hereditary, historical, military and patriotic organizations including the:  Baltimore Civil War Roundtable,  the Virginia Military Institute Alumni , the Virginians of Maryland,  the Sons of Union Veterans, the Friends of President Street Station, the Army of Northern Virginia, Confederate Military Forces and a number of independent Confederate and Federal reenactment units.
 
Every year since 1988, the Johns Hopkins University has rented the Clipper Room in Shriver Hall, or on several occasions another facility,  to the Son of Confederate Veterans to hold  our post ceremony social gathering.  However this year is different. The John Hopkins University has refused to rent the Clipper Room, or any other facility, to our organization.  The sole reason given, per a Johns Hopkins representative, was that we are a “Confederate” organization.  Make no mistake about it, we were not denied because the facility was unavailable, or for any other legitimate reason, we were denied because of who we are.  In addition, the Hopkins representative stated that this ruling came directly from the President of the John Hopkins University, Mr. William Brody.
 
The Colonel Harry W. Gilmor Camp has had an excellent on-going relationship with the Johns Hopkins, Office of Scheduling for over 20 years. There has been absolutely no problem over this long period of time.  We have always been good citizens toward Hopkins. We have paid our rent on time, we have always left the facility neat and clean, and there has never been any disturbance of any kind. A letter was written on September 22, 2008 outlining our long history with the University and appealing this unwarranted decision.  By letter of October 14, 2008 from President Brody’s Office, we were again denied.
 
Because of this unfortunate situation,  I must advise the SCV and UDC  membership and the public at large that, should you decide to join us for the  January 17, 2009  ceremony, you must understand that there will be no post event refreshments; and more importantly,  no rest room facilities available before or after the ceremony. In addition, the ceremony may be substantially shorter than in previous years.
 
We are very sorry to report this to you, but feel that we must be candid with all that have supported us over the years.  I can assure you that regardless of the number of participants and people attending and regardless of this unjust action by Hopkins against our Confederate Heritage, the General Lee and General Jackson Birthday Ceremony will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lee and Jackson double equestrian monument in Wymn Park.
 
If you would like to contact President Brody to express your thoughts on this decision, his address is:
 
Mr. William R. Brody
President
The Johns Hopkins University
Office of the President
242 Garland Hall
3400 N. Charles Street
Baltimore MD 21218
 
Phone – Office of the President:  410-516-4351
 
You may also contact him at his e mail address: wrbrody@jhu.edu
 
Sincerely
 
G. Elliott Cummings
Adjutant
Col. Harry W. Gilmor Camp #1388
Sons of Confederate Veterans
Baltimore, MD