CORRECTION: LEGACY Magazine previously published a version of this story that incorrectly stated Lieutenant General Troy H. Middleton served in the American Civil War instead of World War II.
In a time like this where there is so much change and fighting for justice, equality, and respect for blacks and other minorities, when does one let something go and when does one demand change? Some of Louisiana State University’s most known and respected individuals who helped fund, found, and staff the university were indeed racists, supporters of the confederacy, and advocates for slavery. Middleton Library: named after General Troy H. Middleton, a WWII veteran who during his time as LSU President was instructed by the board to reject or report African-American admissions applications according to “Wolf of the Deep: Raphael Semmes and the Notorious Confederate Raider CSS Alabama” by Stephen Fox. Raphael Semmes Road: named after Confederate Navy officer Raphael Semmes who directly fought for slavery, believed blacks were incapable of being free individuals, and, according to Fox, said blacks needed the structure and guidance provided by slavery to prevent reverting to savagery. Kirby Smith Hall: named after Confederate army officer Edmund Kirby Smith.
Many of LSU students are familiar with the names of the campus buildings and streets, but not as many knew the history behind the individuals that our very own campus honors. LEGACY went to the students for their input.
Here were their reactions:
“I feel like as black students, we support LSU financially and statistically, so they should support us in return by ridding of this derogatory man and his street.”
-Fred Moore in regards to Raphael Semmes
“They’re pretty much promoting the legacy of a racist man when we attend a college that is integrated. It makes me a little uncomfortable as an African American student having streets named after confederate officers because it makes me feel as if I’m in some sort of anti-black culture at LSU.”
-Raymond Hawkins in regards to Raphael Semmes
“The confederate flag is offensive to many now, so to honor someone that was a great confederate leader is equally offensive. Just because it wasn’t offensive then, doesn’t make it okay now.”
-Bethany Frink in regards to Raphael Semmes
“I don’t see any major gains from changing the names of the racist buildings and streets. Later down the line when we improve the concrete issues and matters affecting African-Americans, then we can worry about the aesthetic stuff such as the names of buildings and streets.”
-Oluwaseyi Bamgbola
“I don’t think people’s issues with the names should be overlooked, however I don’t think the names should be changed solely on things modernizing.”
-Todd Barranger
“It’s weird because a lot of these people [Middleton, Semmes, Smith] contributed a lot to the campus, but I dont think its really fair to overlook the racists parts of their history.”
-Robert Henry
“I’m pretty sure somebody knows the history behind the street name and they haven’t done anything about it and as minorities we shouldn’t have to constantly address this stuff.”
-Josh Thornton
“At the end of the day, the buildings (even though we understand come from money) are not conducive to an African American thriving on this campus because you have constant reminders of slavery and racism and that does a lot to a person’s psyche.”-Arrielle Parker
What’s in a Name
April 15, 2016