‘Wildermuth’ must go

The All University Committee on Names will recommend in less than two weeks whether the Ora L. Wildermuth Center should be renamed.

This move comes more than a year after an Indiana Daily Student columnist reported that Wildermuth, whom the Center is named after, espoused segregationist views.

Part of the hand-wringing around renaming the building derives from the dangerous precedent it might set. Terry Clapacs, head of the Committee on Names and IU’s vice president and chief administrative officer, said officials did not want to rush into a name change because of the enormity of the decision.

To be sure, a mere disagreement with one’s views does not warrant dissociation from the University. However, members of the Committee on Names must consider whether staying with the name sends an even larger and more dangerous message to the University’s populace, particularly people of color.

In order to understand the significance of the Center’s name, one must examine Wildermuth’s well-documented views on race. On Nov. 19, 1945, in a letter to IU comptroller Ward G. Biddle, Wildermuth wrote, “I am and shall always remain absolutely and utterly opposed to social intermingling of the colored race with the white. I belong to the white race and shall remain loyal to it. It always has been the dominant and leading race.”

In the summer of 1948, in regards to integration of educational facilities, Wildermuth argued “So few of them (blacks) succeed, and the average of the race as to intelligence, economic status and industry is so far below the white average that it seems to me futile to build up hope for a great future.”

These abhorrent views hold no place in a civilized society, particularly in an educational setting that professes tolerance and respect.

Indeed, the criticism of the Wildermuth Center stands as a backdrop to the frustration among many that IU hasn’t done enough to attract minority students to the campus. Recognizing this, IU President Michael McRobbie recently earmarked an additional $1 million to strengthen racial, ethnic and cultural diversity on campus.

Despite these well-meaning efforts, retaining the Center’s name will indicate that University officials are only willing to demonstrate their commitment to diversity with mere rhetoric, not actions.

Some will argue that the renaming of the Center constitutes an effort to rewrite our past and hide the shameful history of racism in this country. Others will contend that the controversy over Wildermuth is a dangerous exercise in political correctness. This obscures the fact that honoring a racist by naming a building after him is antithetical to the values of IU.

As educated members of the community, it is our responsibility to acknowledge and confront discrimination on our campus, however uncomfortable this might make us. Renaming the Wildermuth Center will send a message of acceptance and tolerance to minority students on campus, a welcome gesture for all.