Georgia’s university system does not change names associated with slavery, white supremacy

The Georgia University System board of directors rejected an advisory group’s suggestion to rename more than 70 buildings and universities named after people who supported slavery and oppression.

The Naming Advisory Group was asked to review the names used on university system campuses in June 2020. On Monday, the Board of Regents thanked the group for its “diligent work on this complex matter” but said it “will not seek name changes “. on USG buildings and universities as recommended by the advisory group report. “

“The purpose of history is to instruct. History can teach us important lessons, lessons that, if understood and applied, make Georgia and its people stronger,” according to one statement across the board.

“We recognize, understand and respect that there are many points of view on this matter. Moving forward, the Board is committed to nominating actions that reflect the strength and energy of Georgia’s diversity,” he added.

An advisory group member, Herbert E. Phipps, who is a retired state appeals judge, said he was “very disappointed” with the decision, according to The Washington Post.

“I am very disappointed with the statement that they made that they were not going to take any action because we did a lot of work in good faith after they indicated that they wanted a report and some recommendations regarding the naming of buildings and colleges in the university system. “said Phipps, who is black.

One of the buildings the group recommended renaming is currently named after Omer Clyde “OC” Aderhold, who was a “committed segregationist.” Others in question honor Andrew Adgate Lipscomb, a former slave owner, and Allen Daniel Candler, a Confederate and former Georgia governor who supported segregation, the Post reported.