The University of Windsor is removing John A Macdonald’s name from one of its student residences.
According to the university, Macdonald Hall will now be called Residence Hall West.
“The Board of Governors believes that reconciliation efforts with Indigenous communities and the protection of vulnerable populations on campus must be a priority. The former name of this residence is no longer consistent with our mission as an academic community, and its renaming, we believe, is a step forward in reimagining a campus where all are welcomed, acknowledged and included, ” said Chair of the Board of Governors of the University of Windsor Jonathan Allison.
The Board of Governors created a committee to review the name of the building after a petition was launched by a University of Windsor alumnus. The committee was made up of students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members and the Head of Residence Services.
During its review of the issue, the committee invited submissions and received 460 responses.
The Board of Governors voted to decommission and rename the building. It will also put up a plaque noting the name change and reason behind it.
The board is also reviewing the names of other buildings on campus.