The Monticello Association’s 67-5 decision not to admit the Hemings was not based on race, as some have asserted.  It would have been shockingly out of character for Jefferson to have sexually exploited a 13- or 14-year-old child whom he owned and to conduct such a relationship under the eyes of his daughters and his 11 grandchildren.  In his Notes on the State of Virginia , he singled out for particular criticism the sexual exploitation of slave women, which he described as "unremitting despotism" by the master and "degrading submissions" by the victim.  He condemned in particular the effect of such behavior on the master's children.

Many people believe that rewriting history might give African-Americans a better connection to our past, allowing them to feel better about the future.  Many of the members of The Monticello Association who voted against changing the membership rules work daily to improve race relations in their local communities.

If science or history eventually provides conclusive evidence, The Monticello Association has stated it will accept Sally Hemings' descendants with open arms.  Up to now, the case cannot be proven according to the existing standards of The Monticello Association.  Until the case can be made under the current criteria, The Monticello Association should not sacrifice Jefferson on the altar of political correctness, ignoring science and the historical record in the face of modern political pressure.  Defenders of Thomas Jefferson should take some pride in the fact that the family had the courage to accept the consequences of their decision.  Thomas Jefferson would be proud, too.