After a comprehensive historical study of the beliefs, words, and actions of Robert Ryland and Douglas Southall Freeman, which documented their racism and espousal of slavery and eugenics, respectively, the Board of Trustees under the leadership of rector Paul Queally, has refused to hear the voices of current students and change the names of these buildings. Furthermore, they have instead opted, in the case of Freeman, to pair his name with that of Black journalist and civil rights leader John Mitchell Jr.--an insult to Mitchell's legacy.

Fellow alumni: The names of the buildings where students live and learn have meaning, weight, and value. We can remember our history without continuing to venerate people whose publicly held beliefs and values run counter to who we want to be as a University.

And we as alumni can wield the power of the purse for change. Join me in pledging no further donations to UR until the names change.

If you would like to go beyond just signing this petition, follow this link to send a message directly to the Board of Trustees letting them know you demand the names of these buildings be changed.

Facebook page for this cause: https://www.facebook.com/URAlumsforChange/?notif_id=1616187243433669&notif_t=page_invite_accept&ref=notif

References:

Research on Robert Ryland: https://president.richmond.edu/inclusive-history/ryland/

Research on Douglas Freeman: https://president.richmond.edu/inclusi.../freeman/index.html

Student voices for name changes: https://docs.google.com/.../1qInHXe7DM54ust1UJnW65T0.../edit