Shenandoah publically promotes itself as a university where all people are welcome regardless of sexual orientation, gender, and race to gain a quality education in a vast amount of majors and programs. This is an important factor for much of the student body and alumni which plays into their decision to attend Shenandoah. 

We understand that Shenandoah values compassion, social justice, and equity; however, the time is now for Shenandoah to act on those values. Shenandoah cannot effectively promote and live out the tenets of social justice and equity  when one of the largest schools on campus is named after a man infamous for fighting against the desegregation of schools across the commonwealth. His actions led to one county in Virginia not offering a public education for its children for five years. Harry F. Byrd Jr. worked tirelessly and openly to make it impossible for students of different ethnicities to go to school together. Additionally, when he failed, he also refused to apologize for it. As a representative of the commonwealth, President Carter asked him to make a list of minorities and women qualified to be possible candidates to federal judge appointments in Virginia. Byrd however submitted a list of white male lawyers and then proceeded to block Carter's appointments of minorities for these positions. These actions show a pattern of constant racial prejudice. 

I realize that there are complex political and financial implications when it comes to naming and renaming aspects of a school. With that being said, no amount of money or political clout is worth alienating an entire section of your student body. This is our way of telling you that we are ready to have this conversation. We are ready for a change. It is unethical and wrong to have a school named after a man who is best well known for not wanting children of color to get the same education as other children.  We hope Shenandoah makes the decision to change the name! #BeTheChange #ChangeTheName