In recent years, colleges and universities across the United States have been grappling with a difficult issue: what to do with names and statues of individuals with racist legacies. These institutions, often founded during times of entrenched racism and segregation, are now facing increasing pressure from students, faculty, and the wider community to address this problematic aspect of their history.

One common tactic that colleges are employing is changing the names of buildings, programs, and even entire schools that are named after individuals with racist beliefs or actions. For example, in 2018, Yale University announced that it would rename Calhoun College, named after former Vice President John C. Calhoun, a staunch defender of slavery. The decision came after years of protests and petitions from students and alumni who argued that Calhoun’s legacy was incompatible with the university’s values.

Similarly, in 2020, Princeton University announced that it would remove the name of Woodrow Wilson, a former president of the university and the United States, from its public policy school and residential college. Wilson, despite being a progressive on some issues, held racist views and implemented policies that discriminated against African Americans. The decision to remove his name was seen as a necessary step towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming campus environment for all students.

In addition to changing names, colleges are also taking down statues and monuments of individuals with racist histories. For example, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill removed a controversial statue of a Confederate soldier known as “Silent Sam” in 2018 after years of protests and vandalism. The statue had long been a source of controversy on campus, with many students and faculty arguing that it glorified the Confederacy and white supremacy.

These actions, while sometimes controversial, are an important part of the ongoing reckoning with America’s racist past and the legacy of slavery and segregation. By acknowledging and addressing the problematic aspects of their history, colleges and universities are taking steps towards creating more inclusive and equitable campus environments where all students feel welcome and valued.

However, the process of confronting racist legacies on college campuses is not always straightforward. There are often disagreements about which names and statues should be removed, and some alumni and donors may push back against efforts to change the status quo. Nonetheless, many institutions are committed to making these necessary changes in order to move towards a more just and equitable future.

Ultimately, the decision to change names and remove statues is just one part of a broader effort to address systemic racism and promote diversity and inclusion on college campuses. Colleges and universities must also work to diversify their faculty and student body, implement anti-racist curricula, and create spaces where difficult conversations about race and inequality can take place. By taking these steps, colleges can begin to confront their racist legacies and create a more equitable and inclusive educational environment for all.