Regents reject renaming U of M buildings

U of M president Eric Kaler
Photo credit USA Today Images

The University of Minnesota board of regents Friday rejected a recommendation to rename four campus buildings.

The vote was 10-1, with Abdul Omari the only regent to vote in favor of the name changes.

 A task force called for removing the names of former University administrators who had supported campus segregation while in office.  

"We have on our board differing views, differing opinions as to what the historical narrative might have been," said Dean Johnson, at-large regent. "And also different views as to what should be done at this time."

Here are the four buildings mentioned in the task force report:

  • Coffey Hall, named for Walter Coffey, University president, 1940.
  • Coffman Memorial Union, named for Lotus Coffman, University president, 1920-1938.
  • Middlebrook Hall, named for William Middlebrook, who served in various roles from 1925-1959.
  • Nicholson Hall, named for Edward Nicholson, dean of students from 1917-1941.

Out-going U-of-M president Eric Kaler supported the task force's recommendation for the name changes.

RELATED: Kaler comes out in support of renaming plan

The only regent who voted against the recommendation is Abdul Omari.