Well, this was a fast resolution to the controversy surrounding the Simkins dormitory on the UT Austin campus. It was just at the end of March that Tom Russell's paper on Simkins began circulating. UT's president William Powers announced today that he will recommend to the trustees that the dormitory be renamed. From the story on kxan's website:
"I accept and endorse the recommendation of the advisory group, and I will seek the approval of the Board of Regents for removal of the name from the residence hall," said Powers. "I value and appreciate the consultative process that led to this decision and the engagement of the community, students, faculty, staff and alumni in this issue." ...
"An institution like ours is shaped by its history, but it need not be encumbered by it," Powers said. "While reflecting on the past and learning from it, it is important to focus on the future. The University of Texas at Austin is now among the most diverse institutions of higher education in the nation, and we will continue to invest in ensuring this is a place of opportunity for young people from all racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds."
The Austin American Statesman has University's press release. And it's on the University's website here.
Previous faculty lounge coverage:
Tom Rusell Op-Ed on William SimkinsSimkins Dormitory, Wall Street Journal Edition
Link to Literary Table's Discussion
UT-Austin Invites Comments Regarding Possible Renaming
Austin-American Stateman Article
The Regents mus still act, but I believe that they will decide that they should stop honoring the Klansman Simkins.
It's interesting, Al, that you say this happened quickly. For a historian, this was quick. For my friends in the public relations business, UT took an eternity to act.
Anyone interested in more of the media and blog coverage of this issue should see http://simkins.houseofrussell.com
And please contact me with your thoughts about the issue if you choose not to comment here.
Tom Russell
Posted by: Trussell | July 09, 2010 at 04:57 PM