Queen's University Is Now Changing The Name Of A Building Due To Racist Ties

John A. Macdonald's name is now being removed from a law school building at Queen's University after thousands of people petitioned to have it changed.

Macdonald had been known to have ties to policies that were hurtful towards the advancement of Indigenous peoples and racial minorities. 

Now, nearly 5,000 people signed in favour of changing the building's name to Patricia Monture Hall, who was a Queen's alumna and Mohawk lawyer. 

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It’s important to consider how we move forward together with a good mind and in peace for the greater good for all peoples.

Kanonhsyonne (Janice Hill)

In a statement, the university confirmed that after a two-month consultation on the matter, they will be removing Macdonald's name from the building.

Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane wrote that the decision supports the school's commitment to "take action against systemic racism." 

However, it is still unclear as to whether the name will be changed to Patricia Monture Hall, or something else. 

The university did confirm that they will be following a separate process in the renaming of the building and that recommendations will be brought to the Board of Trustees in the next few months.

“What was made clear through our consultations is that the Macdonald name sends a conflicting message that interferes with the values and aspirations of the current law school and Queen’s community where Indigenous and racialized students must feel welcome and included,” wrote Dean Mark Walters from the Faculty of Law.

Other areas of Ontario have made similar suggestions, such as the proposition to rename Dundas Street, as well as changing the name of a secondary school named after Benjamin Vaughan.