On June 17, 2020, USG Board of Regents Chairman Sachin Shailendra and Chancellor Steve Wrigley asked an advisory group to review and study the names of buildings and colleges on our campuses and report to the Board on any recommended changes.

The Board of Regents adopted the following statement during its specially called meeting November 22, 2021:

“The Board of Regents is grateful to Albany State University President Marion Fedrick and the members of the naming advisory group for their diligent work on this complex matter. The Board recognizes the importance of the issue and the variety of views held on it. The University System of Georgia contains over 3,800 named buildings and colleges.

The intent of the advisory group was to better understand the names that mark our buildings and colleges, recognizing there would likely be a number of individuals who engaged in behaviors or held beliefs that do not reflect or represent our values today. Understanding the history of names fulfills a knowledge mission that has guided USG for the past 90 years.

The purpose of history is to instruct. History can teach us important lessons, lessons that if understood and applied make Georgia and its people stronger.

The Board, therefore, will not pursue name changes on USG buildings and colleges as recommended by the advisory group’s report. We acknowledge, understand and respect there are many viewpoints on this matter. Going forward, the Board is committed to naming actions that reflect the strength and energy of Georgia’s diversity.”