AUSTIN, TX — A relative of a man who donated Confederate statues to the University of Texas at Austin at the turn of the last century is suing the school for removing the sculptures s from campus grounds last weekend, according to a published report.

A relative of Maj. George Washington Littlefield—a cattleman and banker who was among the university's biggest donors—filed a lawsuit against UT-Austin President Gregory L. Fenves for ordering the removal of the statues last Sunday night, the Austin American-Statesman said. In the lawsuit, the relative notes that Littlefield donated the statues in the early part of the 20th century under an agreement to promote the "Southern perspective of American history," according to the lawsuit. Just after 10 p.m. on Sunday, crews started removing statues honoring Confederacy figures that had long stood on the South Mall portion of campus. Fenves said in a statement the statues were taken down in response to recent attacks by racists elsewhere in the country who seemed energized by such Civil War symbols.

Watch: University Of Texas Removes 4 Confederate Statues Overnight The lawsuit also accuses the university of squelching free speech in the process, counter to its own ideals. "The university agreed to communicate political speech in perpetuity," the suit reads, as reported by the Statesman. "Now, however, Pres. Fenves has breached the university's promise to communicate minority political speech."

Among the plaintiffs named in the lawsuit are Steven Littlefield of Montana and David McMahon, commander of the Texas Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, according to the report. George Washington Littlefield was a venerated supporter of UT-Austin, and not just for his statues' donation. According to archival information at UT-Austin, Littlefield emerged as a prominent benefactor when the school decided in 1991 to formally recognize its most grandiose donors.

"When The University of Texas at Austin decided in 1991 to recognize its most generous benefactors through an honorary society, the question arose as to what to call the new organization," university officials previously wrote. "One name stood out as an exemplar of the many distinguished individuals who have sustained and advanced the University throughout its history. George Washington Littlefield (1842-1920) was a member of the UT Board of Regents and a respected business leader who cared deeply for the University and gave generously."

University officials then ticked off his many gifts: Funds to purchase the John Henry Wrenn Library, to build the Littlefield Fountain and the Alice P. Littlefield Dormitory; through a bequest, he donated his family's home, which today is a beloved campus landmark; in another bequest, seed funding for the construction of the UT Tower.

In short: "Littlefield gave more to the University during its first 50 years than any other individual," university officials noted. "Through his gifts and active engagement, he personifies the philanthropic spirit at UT Austin." According to the Texas State Historical Association, Littlefield also fought for the Confederacy, enlisting in Company I, Eighth Texas Cavalry (Terry's Texas Rangers), which fought in the Army of Tennessee. Terry's Texas Rangers members were volunteers from the Lone Star State fighting for the Confederate Army. Before his service, Littlefield grew up in a family plantation in Gonzales County and took over another family plantation after his military discharge in 1864.