University of North Carolina at Greensboro Board of Trustees votes to rename Aycock Auditorium, named after Gov. Charles B. Aycock.
From the UNCG press release:
In naming the auditorium, Aycock was recognized for his leadership and support for public education in North Carolina, including his support for the women’s college in Greensboro. Over the past several years, questions have been raised regarding the appropriateness of this name on several North Carolina campuses in light of Aycock’s beliefs and actions regarding race. Of special concern has been his support of white supremacy and his role in the disenfranchisement of black voters in the early 1900s.
The university adds the “decision to rename the auditorium is not an erasure of history” and “an educational component that will provide a multifaceted history of Aycock” that has a “yet to be determined” implementation date. Should be interesting–will also be interesting to see which historical figure from North Carolina history will grace the historic building, or if—wonder if anyone has thought about this–the university puts the naming rights up for sale?
