The Renaming Era
Topic:
In this seminar, we will discuss the era of renaming schools, buildings, and the like. Be open to discussing the past (renaming already named schools) and the future (how we name schools moving forward).
Readings:
Research one of your elementary/middle/high school namesakes. Find out their greatest accomplishments, but also their worst deeds/ideologies (if possible). Prepare to share the details to debate if the school should be renamed.
Thinking About Historical Legacies: Looking for Just Principles and Processes by Charles R. Conn
Board Votes to Rename Schools by Shohini Ashoke and Amanda Lee
UVA Naming Policies (skim Virginia’s Naming Policies and focus on the Philanthropic Naming Requirement)
OPTIONAL: When Charitable Gift Agreements Go Bad by Adam Scott Goldberg
OPTIONAL: Stop Naming Buildings after People by Nancy Friedman
OPTIONAL: Removing Confederate Name Would Cost School $1M by Emily Leayman
OPTIONAL: Should Sports Teams Change Their Native-Inspired Names? by Marc Chalufour
Discussion Questions:
How should we judge the past and people who lived in the past? What level of morality do we use?
What deeds/ideologies/actions merit a name removal? Should the cost of removing a name from a school or building be considered? Who should decide, students, alumni, faculty?
Why do we name things after people? Should we stop? What would we do for things like scholarships, buildings etc.?
Should charities/schools have name removal clauses in their donation agreements? If someone was going to donate $10M, $25M, $50M but refuse to sign a name removal clause, would you take the donation?
