Trinity College, located in Dublin, Ireland, has recently decided to remove the name "Berkeley" from its central library in honor of George Berkeley, an 18th-century Irish philosopher who owned slaves and sought to forcefully convert Native American children to Christianity. This decision was made in light of the growing awareness of the problematic legacy associated with figures who have been celebrated in the past.
In response to this development, officials at UC Berkeley have acknowledged the contentious legacy associated with the appellation but have indicated that they have no intention of discarding it. This raises important questions about how we should approach the legacies of historical figures who have significantly contributed to our society but whose actions and beliefs are now considered unacceptable.
Dan Mogulof, a spokesperson for the university, stated that although the institution's founders named the town and campus after a figure whose opinions do not merit recognition or commemoration, "Berkeley" has come to represent different values and perspectives, such as diversity and social equity, in the 155 years since the university's establishment. Mogulof is unaware of any formal efforts or requests to alter the university's name.
It is worth noting that the university's namesake, Bishop George Berkeley, was an 18th-century philosopher who argued that material objects do not exist and that the only things that exist are ideas and the minds that perceive them. While his philosophical contributions are still studied today, his views on colonialism and slavery have been criticized as outdated with modern values. Despite this, the university still needs to take steps to change its name.
As cities and institutions grapple with the complicated histories of past figures, renaming or "denaming" has emerged as a method of acknowledging and distancing from these controversial individuals. As a result, various entities have changed their names despite the associated challenges and costs, such as replacing signage and developing new logos.
This trend has gained momentum recently as communities and organizations seek to address the legacies of individuals who may have held racist, sexist, or otherwise harmful beliefs. For example, schools and universities have renamed buildings and programs previously named after slave owners or segregationists. Similarly, cities have renamed streets and public spaces that honor individuals involved in the oppression of marginalized groups.
While renaming can be a powerful tool for acknowledging and addressing past injustices, it is not without controversy. Some argue that renaming erases history and ignores the complexities of individuals' legacies. Others point out that renaming can be a superficial gesture that does little to address systemic inequality and discrimination.
Despite these debates, renaming and renaming are likely to continue as a means of grappling with the complicated legacies of past figures. As communities and institutions continue to evolve and confront their histories, the question of how to address controversial individuals will remain important.
However, for UC Berkeley, a top-tier public university with an international reputation for its Nobel laureates, inventions, and tradition of political activism, the risks of changing its name appear even more substantial. Branding experts contend that the tangible costs of a name change would be eclipsed by the incalculable expense of communicating a new brand identity to a global audience that associates "Berkeley" with academic excellence.
Despite the potential benefits of a name change, such as increased visibility and a fresh start, the University of California, Berkeley must weigh these against the potential costs. A name change could lead to clarity among current and prospective students, alumni, and donors and damage the university's reputation if appropriately executed. Ultimately, the decision to change a university's name is complex, requiring careful consideration of both the short-term and long-term implications.
The conundrum extends to the city, where discussions regarding a potential name change have surfaced but have yet to gain significant momentum. Renaming the city requires a charter amendment subject to voter approval and state legislation, as the state incorporated Berkeley. However, changing the name of a city with such a rich history and cultural significance is not a decision to be taken lightly. It would require careful consideration of the potential impact on the community and the city's identity. Ultimately, any decision to change the name of Berkeley would need to be made with the input and support of the city's residents and stakeholders.
