Following the lead of George Washington University, Robert Morris is considering dropping its Colonials name.
In an announcement this week, a special committee at George Washington University said for those who oppose it "Colonials” means colonizers who stole land and resources from Indigenous groups.
“We have evolved over our 200 years as an institution and a community,” George Washington Academy Affairs Vice President Christopher Alan Bracey said. “Today, the moniker no longer does the work that a moniker should—namely, unifying the campus behind our academic and athletic institutional aspirations.”
A statement released by the university says they will review their mascot name.
"Robert Morris University's ability to transform and adapt is in large part responsible for our success as an institution over the past century. We take great pride in our students, alumni, faculty, and staff, and hope that they are proud of their association with RMU.
"We are aware that other colleges and universities have decided to drop and/or change their nicknames recently in light of negative historical connotations associated with their monikers. Given the complex nature of these issues, we, as an institution of higher learning, believe it is an appropriate time to carefully consider who we have been, who we are, and who we wish to become."
Morris, a colonist from England, became a wealthy merchant and financed the American Revolution.
He signed the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.
93.7 The Fan’s Colin Dunlap believes it’s just a case of people looking to be mad at something.
“Colonize is not the same as Colonials,” said Dunlap. “Does anybody have a history book there?”
Dunlap adds that if the name Colonials is so offensive, why don’t they change the mascot now, instead of 2023-24 when they plan to phase it out.
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