on behalf of our working group. We appreciate this opportunity to update
the board of trustees on the careful research we've undertaken since June
off this year. So we're over, ah, half a year of work meeting almost every
Wednesday
of week,
based upon consultation with experts and through our own extensive
investigation. Working group review The historical record of George Wallace,
the 45th governor of the state of Alabama. Now, in doing so, our charge
was review name buildings on our campuses relative to share values that
include integrity, leadership, accountability, diversity, inclusion
and respect. Of course, this process is ongoing.
Today we present for your consideration the renaming of the George C. Wallace
building on the campus. The University of Alabama at Birmingham.
The physical education facility was named for Governor Wallace in 1975. We
proposed that the new name to the physical Education building
be the physical education building.
It is important to note that we do not recommend changing names of buildings
that honor Governor Lurleen Wallace, who was an ardent supporter off medical
research and education
Governor Wallace built his political career largely on defending an unlawful
system of segregation, appealing to an exacerbating racial animosity and
resisting lawful court orders, all to the detriment of state of Alabama and
the University of Alabama system.
The U. S System. The board of trustees are working group, and our campuses
recognize Governor Wallace is complex legacy, including the well known
acceptance of his apology by the great civil rights icon and leader
Congressman John Lewis.
Despite Governor Wallace's efforts to redeem himself for a minute there case
of divisive and disrespectful action, the stain of his fury efforts to
advance racial injustice text has cast a shadow that can neither be erased or
justified.
It is simply the right thing to do.
I have spoken personally with Peggy Wallace Kennedy,
who waas the daughter off George and Laura Ling Wallace.
I've known her and Justice Kennedy, her husband for a long time and had a great
conversation with him,
and
in that conversation,
that's his. Kennedy and Mrs Kennedy have expressed their confidence in this
boy's decision to rename the you a physical education building.
In her own words, she said it is important that the university always
see positive and meaningful change for the betterment of students, faculty and
community.
These were her very thoughtful words, and she made it clear that she was not
speaking for the family, but certainly for herself and Justice Kennedy
Protein Starnes. The resolution on today's agenda further amplifies our
working groups recommendation and we request the board of trustees
thoughtful consideration. This recommendation is made unanimously by
that working group. Thank you.