Virginia College Takes Steps Towards Inclusivity by Removing Names of Revolutionary War-Era Figures

Virginia Peninsula Community College Changes Names of Two Halls

Virginia Peninsula Community College in Virginia has decided to change the names of two halls on its campus in an effort to be more inclusive. The halls were previously named after George Wythe, a Founding Father and signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Dr. Corbin Griffin, a surgeon who served Virginia Patriot soldiers during the Revolutionary War. The college's decision to erase these Revolutionary War-era figures has sparked controversy and debate.

Renaming to Kecoughtan Hall

Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) has announced that it will be renaming two of its buildings, Griffin and Wythe halls, to Kecoughtan Hall. The decision to change the names is a tribute to the Kecoughtan tribe, who were the original settlers of the land where VPCC's Hampton campus is located. The two halls are connected and function as one building. The college made the announcement on its website.

George Wythe Law School to Undergo Name Change

A school in Virginia is planning to change the name of its law school from George Wythe Law School to something else. The process of changing the signs will be gradual, according to school official Steven Felker. The school formed a naming task force and gathered feedback from faculty, student government, and others on the proposed changes. George Wythe, who lived from 1726-1806, had a successful career in Virginia. He taught notable figures like Thomas Jefferson, Henry Clay, and John Marshall as a law professor. He also served as a delegate to the Virginia House of Burgess and openly opposed the Stamp Act. Wythe was a member of the Continental Congress during the war for independence and signed the Declaration of Independence. He later attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and was influential in the field of constitutional law.

George Wythe's Complex Relationship with Slavery

George Wythe, one of the Founding Fathers, had a complex relationship with slavery. Despite being a slave owner himself, he was also an early advocate for abolition and actively worked to free slaves. As a judge in Virginia, he made a significant ruling in favor of freeing slaves during a legal dispute over the will of a Quaker landowner.

Renaming of Thomas Nelson Community College

The article provides information about the renaming of Thomas Nelson Community College to Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC). The college was originally named after Thomas Nelson, a Revolutionary War hero and signer of the Declaration of Independence. The decision to change the name was made to make the college more "welcoming, inclusive, and representative of our unique region," according to the school president. The article also mentions another historical figure, Griffin, who was a surgeon for Virginia's revolutionary soldiers and a Virginia state senator, but less is known about him.