Monmouth University Comes To Decision About Renaming Wilson Hall

A few months ago, I told you that Monmouth University was considering changing the name of Wilson Hall, due to President Woodrow Wilson’s racist beliefs and policies. This caused a deal of controversy among students and alumni such as myself.

Over the weekend, University President Paul M. Brown sent this email:

As you know, our Board of Trustees has been deliberating the role of Woodrow Wilson’s legacy on our campus, especially as the namesake of our central administrative building.  Throughout the process the Board was informed by the academic perspective of our distinguished faculty members, and the very personal insights of students, staff members, and alumni, that emerged throughout the last seven months of education and discussion.

After months of education and conversation, the Monmouth University Board of Trustees voted yesterday to retain “Woodrow Wilson Hall.”  In doing so, the Board also required that significant steps be taken to ensure a comprehensive and balanced understanding of Wilson’s legacy.

Our trustees balanced Wilson’s legacy of achievement as governor of New Jersey, president of the United States, and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, against his racial intolerance in the context of the university’s educational mission and its core values: excellence in teaching and learning; empowerment of the university community; fostering a caring campus; integrity; diversity; and service.

Alumni input was invaluable to the process and the outcome of the decision of the Board. I am especially proud that our alumni voiced their concerns in a consistently respectful and well-reasoned way. It is clear that a great deal of thought, and passion, is still attached to Wilson Hall.

While this was a complex decision, our Board feels that a renewed commitment to educating our community about all aspects of Woodrow Wilson ultimately provides a valuable learning opportunity.

By understanding the historical facts behind Wilson’s once-prevalent racial views, we can better promote tolerance and diversity through ongoing, honest and open dialogue, and honor the university’s core values related to both diversity and excellence in teaching and learning.

Our conversations on diversity and inclusion will not end with this decision, and I urge you to remain informed about our ongoing efforts on the Diversity & Inclusion page on the university website.