Prior to this semester I was unaware of who exactly the Freedman and Ryland buildings were named after. I assumed like any building on campus they were just random donors or notable people in the history of UR. Unfortunately our school is choosing to honor a person who championed white supremacy, segregation and Black voter suppression, Douglas Southall Freeman, and a slave owning confederate supporter, Robert Ryland. While there is something to be said about not forgetting the past, there needs to be a better way that does not memorialize these people with very racist pasts. For example, as mentioned in class, there could be a plaque in the building that describes the history without making students in our commodity feel uncomfortable every time they walk by or have to go into the buildings. Additionally, the decisions that UR has made in relation to this issue of the building names is disappointing. To think that attaching John Mitchell Jr., a Black newspaper editor, would solve the issue and satisfy those who are reasonably upset is short sighted. Especially when it is difficult to imagine everyone changing how they refer to the building overnight just because the university updated the sign; unfortunately many will probably still refer to the building as Freeman Hall for at least the near future. In the case of Ryland Hall, even less if being done. To simply name a terrace after one or more of the individuals that Robert Ryland enslaved, seems like an insignificant solution. Especially considering that the building is currently undergoing massive construction, it would seem like it is the perfect time to change the name and start the building off on a positive note.
Overall, I am disappointed by UR’s response concerning this issue. Unsurprisingly they are trying to please their donors and assure them that their names will not simply be taken off of buildings. However, to prioritize the donors of the university is to ignore the student body who is upset and wants a more significant change to occur. To remember history so we learn from our past mistakes and to memorialize those who have clearly done wrong and negatively impacted the lives of others are two very separate ideas that UR needs to recognize.
I agree that it is incredibly upsetting and dissatisfying that after all of the time the Board members had to think of a solution, enough members agreed that putting the name of John Mitchell Jr. in front of Douglas Southall Freeman was not only a good idea but the right idea. I feel for John Mitchell’s family, whose pride in his contributions is overshadowed by the fact that he cannot be recognized alone, but needs to be combined with a slaveowner’s.
I agree with everything you’ve said. I think it is upsetting that essentially, the university finds it more important to please people who were here in the past, rather than the student body in front of them. While many of us probably aren’t doning loads of money to the university, that shouldn’t make any of our opinions or feelings be less than older generations.