The Middleton Library on LSU’s campus will have a new name. The building has been named after General Troy Middleton, a war hero, who served as LSU’s president from 1951 to 1962. Middleton is also known as a segregationist. Blackout LSU organizer Gideon Adeyemo is delighted with the news.
“Our administration has taken the time to hear us out, to listen, to hear and to plan to make sure that our student body is welcoming and as inclusive and equitable as possible,” said Adeyemo.
When Middleton served as LSU’s President he sent a letter to the University of Texas that said LSU does not support whites and backs participating together on athletic teams and the school keeps black students separate from whites. LSU NAACP chapter president Cam Crier says Middleton’s name should have been removed a long time ago.
“No matter how long it may take, but change is inevitable and it will happen and it’s happening right now, what you’re looking at is history in the making,” said Crier.
The name change comes after several meetings black student leaders have had with LSU’s administration since a video from a social media post emerged of an incoming LSU student yelling a racist slur. LSU Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Mary Werner expects the Board will approve a motion to rename the library.
“We had a week of intense, emotional, strong, respectful conversation, this board, this administration, talked but we did a lot of listening,” said Werner.
There’s no word on a possible new name for the library.
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