President’s Advisory Panel on University Namings and Recognitions announces dates for Town Hall forums

The Florida State University President’s Advisory Panel on University Namings and Recognitions announced a series of Town Hall forums to hear public feedback, specifically with regard to B.K. Roberts Hall, Francis Eppes Hall and the Francis Eppes statue.

Last fall, President John Thrasher announced the creation of the President’s Advisory Panel on University Namings and Recognitions.  Since that time, the panel of appointed university students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni has been working to review and make recommendations on current university policies concerning campus names and markers, including statues and other recognitions.

Based on public input thus far, President Thrasher recently asked the panel to prioritize B.K. Roberts Hall, Francis Eppes Hall and the Eppes statue as they continue their work, recognizing that there are members of our community who feel very passionately about these campus landmarks. Thrasher also requested the panel submit its recommendations on these items first before returning its focus to the rest of its charge.

The forums will take place:

Tuesday, Feb. 27
5-7 p.m.
FSU Alumni Center, Grand Ballroom
1030 W. Tennessee St.

Thursday, March 1
9-11 a.m.
Roberts Hall, Room 102
425 W. Jefferson St.

Thursday, March 1
3-5 p.m.
Black Student Union House, Multipurpose Room
921 W. Jefferson St.

Monday, March 5
9-11 a.m.
Askew Student Life Center, Room 101A-D
942 Learning Way

Tuesday, March 6
2-4 p.m.
Augustus B. III Turnbull Florida State Conference Center, Room 103
555 W. Pensacola St.

Comments will be limited to no more than five minutes per speaker in order to hear from as many people as possible. Supplemental feedback may be provided by submitting additional comments via http://president.fsu.edu/namings/.

Speakers are asked to consider the following questions and provide feedback with regard to B.K. Roberts Hall, Francis Eppes Hall and the Francis Eppes statue:

  • What impact have these landmarks had on you and/or others? What message do you and/or others think these landmarks are communicating?
  • What role should university history play in our current day campus environment?
  • What do you think should be done and why (i.e., suggestions for solutions)?  Are there additional options besides removing and/or renaming?