University of Virginia near Charlottesville in Albemarle County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
'Coat and Tie Rebellion' Marker
UVA Change Agents
In a Washington Post article covering the Rebellion, Hayes said "we want to preserve…the dignity of those who work here… We must end racism, we must end bigotry. In this school, in Virginia and in the country.
On February 18, 1969, hundreds of students gathered on the Lawn to conclude a three-day protest. Later called the 'Coat and Tie Rebellion' as a nod to the longstanding University dress tradition at the time, the students' movement focused on eleven demands. These included: the integration of African Americans into all areas of the University, including the integration of the Board of Visitors; the granting of rights to University employees to unionize and to increase the minimum wage for employees; the elimination of application fees for low-income students; and the formation of a Black Studies department by the fall of 1970, among others. The demands were reflective of students' frustration not only with the University, but with the state of Virginia and broader nation, as well. Many of the demands were met following this student demonstration.
Organized by a group called the Student Coalition, the Coat and Tie Rebellion included student leaders from various walks of University life, such as James Roebuck, the first Black president of Student Council, who read the demands; Robert Rosen, a founder of the University Student Coalition; Ed Hayes, Inter-Fraternity Council president; and many others. Together, these student leaders, black and white, advocate for change and set a new precedent for student activism.
The Coat and Tie Rebellion emphasized students' dedication to equality and freedom, as well as their profound belief in the University's potential. The Rebellion was just one of many protests in the spring of 1969—many of which called on the University to uphold Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and to increase representation and opportunity on Grounds. Since 1969, the Coat and Tie Rebellion has served as a foundational moment in University history, inspiring generations of students calling for a better, brighter University future.
Erected by University of Virginia.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education. A significant historical date for this entry is February 18, 1969.
Location. 38° 2.141′ N,
Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont and in Central Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Woodrow Wilson (within shouting distance of this marker); World War I Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Jefferson Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); These Garden Walls (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry Martin (within shouting distance of this marker); University of Virginia (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); James Monroe’s First Farm (about 300 feet away); Edgar Allan Poe (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charlottesville.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 824 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 18, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.

