University Of Windsor Renames Macdonald Hall

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The building formerly named Macdonald Hall is shown in this file photo

The University of Windsor has changed the name of a student residence that was named for former Canadian prime minister Sir John A. Macdonald.

The University says the renaming is due to Macdonald’s “involvement and support of the residential school system and its negative impact on ethnic and racialized people, particularly the Indigenous, Métis and Inuit communities.”

The building will now be named Residence Hall West.

The University says their board of governors established a committee last fall to “review the propriety of the name of Macdonald on a university residence” after a petition was started by a University of Windsor alumnus.

The committee was comprised of students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members and the head of Residence Services, and met throughout the fall and winter.

The building formerly named Macdonald Hall is shown in this file photo prior to installation of the new University of Windsor sign in 2019

The University says a summary of 460 responses and recommendations was presented to the board which voted to decommission and rename the building and erect a plaque noting the name change and rationale.

“The University of Windsor is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment that reflects the values we hold of enabling people to make a better world through education, scholarship, research and engagement,” says university president Dr. Robert Gordon.

The University has also formed an advisory committee to “re-evaluate the names of other buildings moving forward to ensure they are consistent with the University’s values and mission.”

“The Board of Governors believes that reconciliation efforts with Indigenous communities and the protection of vulnerable populations on campus must be a priority,” said board chair Jonathan Allison. “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.”