Updates & Timeline

After its membership was finalized at the end of January 2021, the Legacy Review Task Force began meeting monthly starting in February, with additional asynchronous discussion between meetings. 

During its first meeting, the Task Force discussed criteria for removing names from public features of campus, including those in the Task Force charge, as well as those used by other institutions. The group acknowledged research that had already been conducted by WWU Libraries Heritage Resources and by Task Force members, and determined what additional research and resources would be helpful in fulfilling its charge.   

At its second meeting in March, the Task Force continued to discuss principles for removing names and how to solicit input from the Western community.  The Task Force also discussed the Heritage Resources building naming report, and began discussing the Huxley College naming report. 

In between formal meetings the Task Force has continued to discuss these topics, shared research, and solicited the input of scholars on the legacy of T.H. Huxley. 

The Task Force continued meeting through April and May, and hosted a forum about the Legacy Review process at the Huxley College Speaker Series on April 29, 2021 at 4:30, which will included opportunities for public input.

Community members were also invited to submit their thoughts about potentially removing names from buildings or colleges at Western using the online feedback form until May 21, 2021.

The Legacy Review Task Force submitted a report with its recommendations to the President on June 14, 2021.  

The final responsibility and authority on naming buildings and academic colleges rests with the Board of Trustees.