Posted on 02/08/2021 10:50:04 PM PST by nickcarraway
The University of Alabama System on Friday approved removing the name of former Alabama Governor George C. Wallace from a UAB campus building over his support of racial segregation.
A resolution unanimously approved by trustees says Wallace rose to power by defending racial separation and stoking racial animosity.
Advertisement “This is simply the right thing to do,” UA System Trustee Judge John England Jr. said during a presentation to the board (watch above). “The UA System, the Board of Trustees, our working group and our campuses recognize Governor Wallace’s complex legacy, including the well-known acceptance of his apology by civil rights icon John Lewis. That said, his stated regret late in life did not erase the effects of the divisiveness that continue to haunt the conscience and reputation of our state.”
England cited the reaction of the daughter of George Wallace, Peggy Wallace Kennedy, who had shared a comment about the board’s pending action.
“I, along with my husband Mark, have confidence in the Board’s decision to rename the UAB Physical Education Building,” she said. “It is important to the university to always seek positive and meaningful change for the betterment of students, faculty and the community.”
While noting Wallace's eventual renouncement of racist policies, the resolution says his name remains a symbol of racial injustice for many.
The building will now be called the Physical Education Building.
UAB President Ray Watts commended the thorough review process.
“On behalf of UAB’s diverse community of students, faculty and staff who live our Shared Values every day, I thank the Board of Trustees, the University of Alabama System leadership and particularly the dedicated members of the working group for their thoughtful study of history as we look forward to building a bright and successful future.”
Multiple other buildings around Alabama still bear George Wallace's name.
Why, when black “woke” students demand separate meetings on campus these days? It seems Wallace was ahead of his time....
Plus he was provably a Democrat. Can’t have that reality out there for everyone to see.
Purge Is The Game!
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