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Poll results

Like a growing number of schools, research institutions and businesses, the University of Maine this week tried to distance itself from a historical figure connected to racism. UMaine System trustees voted to strip the name of Clarence Cook Little Hall, a building on the Orono campus dedicated to the school's former president and an outspoken proponent of eugenics.

The Jackson Laboratory, in Bar Harbor, has taken a similar step; Little, a highly regarded biologist, founded the lab in 1929. The University of Michigan, where he also served as president, removed his name from a building two years ago.

While changes like these are intended to express disapproval for racism, they have also drawn criticism as "cancel culture" actions that cannot undo history.

In general, are institutions doing the right thing in removing the names of individuals connected to racism?
Yes, they're taking overdue steps to express disapproval for racist beliefs (44%, 52 VOTES)
No, they're often overreacting or merely trying to be politically correct (56%, 67 VOTES)
Poll Description

Like a growing number of schools, research institutions and businesses, the University of Maine this week tried to distance itself from a historical figure connected to racism. UMaine System trustees voted to strip the name of Clarence Cook Little Hall, a building on the Orono campus dedicated to the school's former president and an outspoken proponent of eugenics.

The Jackson Laboratory, in Bar Harbor, has taken a similar step; Little, a highly regarded biologist, founded the lab in 1929. The University of Michigan, where he also served as president, removed his name from a building two years ago.

While changes like these are intended to express disapproval for racism, they have also drawn criticism as "cancel culture" actions that cannot undo history.

  • 119 Votes
  • 7 Comments
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7 Comments

  • September 30, 2020

    Renaming a building or an institution is not an unusual event these days. Usually it is to acknowledge a new significant contribution of funds or an individual's achievement. So the naming action is positive.
    It is unfortunate that in these instances it is the opposite, removing a name, taking a negative action. But I hope they can use this as an opportunity to recognize a new person or organization that deserves acknowledgement, and turn the action into something positive.

  • September 30, 2020

    One cannot erase history if we are to learn from our past! Eugenics in pure form is the attempt to breed out disease and eliminate human sufferimg. However, it can be carried to extremes to eliminate races or ethnic groups. I have no idea about the former U of M president's philosophy except what one reads in the U's press releases. But perhaps a history lesson could be learned with a placard detailing his philosophy of his time. One will have no history if we eliminate all references to what is considered bad today, I suspect.