The refusal of the ECSU Board of Trustees to name the new residence hall at Elizabeth City State University after its founder, Hugh Cale, has caused immense disappointment among the university community and alumni. Instead, a mere proposed round-a-bout campus fountain (future) has been chosen to bear his name, which is rightly perceived as an affront to Hugh Cale's substantial and important legacy. 

Hugh Cale was not only the founder, but a pivotal figure in the development and prosperity of Elizabeth City State University. His impact extends beyond the university's locale, influencing higher education and the struggle for racial equality in the broader North Carolina region during the Jim Crow era. By refusing to name the residence hall after him, the Board of Trustees fails to properly acknowledge his impactful contributions to the history and identity of ECSU. This discrepancy not only belittles the memory of Hugh Cale, but also hinders the initial intent to emphasize and celebrate ECSU's rich history within its campus infrastructure.

We urge the ECSU Board of Trustees to reconsider their decision and properly honor the legacy of Hugh Cale by naming the residence hall or another campus facility after him. Please sign this petition to show your support for this cause.