Alderman Library is named for Edwin Anderson Alderman, UVA's first president. Alderman was a racist and eugenicist. In renaming Alderman Library, UVA would demonstrate "commitment to initiatives that grow, strengthen and shape our institution for the future." 

In his 1903 address, "The Value of Southern Idealism," Alderman asserted, "it is a solemn duty of the white man to see that the negro gets his chance in everything save social equality and political control." Alderman then goes on to say, "this does not mean that the lower should be prevented from rising, but that it should not be permitted to break down the higher." This language explicitly honors institutional racism and the eugenics movement.

In honoring Edwin A. Alderman, UVA is honoring his racist, oppressive values.

In the same address, Alderman claimed, "the spirit of this metropolis is the spirit of the whole region." The spirit of who we memorialize reflects the spirit of the University.

Renaming Alderman Library is a symbolic gesture in which the University of Virginia would "challenge convention, break barriers and pursue the greater good." 

Helpful Links:

CAV Daily Article​

UVA Magazine Article​

Virginia Mercury Article