Writer’s Attempt At CANCELLING George Washington University Has One Major Flaw
(TheRedWire.com) – George Washington University (GWU) sits just a few blocks from the White House. In 2019, liberal students challenged the school to change its nickname, the Colonials, claiming it represented imperialism. On Monday, May 9, a GWU Senior wrote an opinion piece in the Washington Post arguing that systemic racism, institutional inequality, and white supremacy laced the school’s history.
…. have some bad news for WashPo pic.twitter.com/PwZNuY7uvp
— Jon Levine (@LevineJonathan) May 11, 2022
Caleb François wrote that the school could atone for its sins in a few ways. It needs to:
- Change its name.
- Decolonize school curriculum
- Increase Black enrollment
- Select an African American president
Additionally, François attacked Winston Churchill and James Madison. He said the school should strip their names, among others, from buildings — so too should the school’s nickname and motto, “Hail Thee George Washington.”
The GWU senior wrote that Frederick Douglas should replace Washington as the name and representative of the school. François argued that Douglas was a statesman, diplomat, political scientist, abolitionist, and feminist. He said Douglas’ work made him an ideal candidate.
While the Washington Post didn’t write the article, it did give François a platform to share his views. The irony wasn’t lost on some that the newspaper shares Washington’s name. Therefore, perhaps they should rename the newspaper as well?
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