Friday the University of Houston- System Board of Regents met to discuss and vote on the proposed name for what is currently the University of Houston-Downtown. The meeting began with an open forum of speakers both in support and opposition to the idea. I spoke against changing the name as did Dr. Michele Moosally. Dean Bates of the College of Business and Dr. Larry Spears spoke in favor of the change. Two Regents dissented from the majority to speak in opposition to the proposed name, University of South Texas, but also against the name change as forgone conclusion. This obviously irked several other regents who spoke vehemently about the decision to change the name saying that it had already been made and the only business of the day was to accept or deny the proposed name.
In the end the spirited debate between the two sides ended in a slight victory for those opposing the name change. The Board of Regents voted UNANIMOUSLY to delay the selection of a name pending broader consensus, and a properly vetted name. Dr. Renu Khator made a statement at the end of the meeting that made an attempt to quell any discussion about the possibility of UH-D leaving the UH System. She was emphatic about the respect she has for the institution and its important function as a member of the UH family.
This is a victory for the students, faculty and staff, who believe this process happened too quickly. Work is not done however. The next Board of Regents meeting about this issue will be held ON THE UH-D CAMPUS. It is imperative that all students who want to have an opinion on this matter SHOW UP to this meeting. Please help the SGA show the Board or Regents, the City of Houston, and the State of Texas, that the students of the University of Houston-Downtown will not go down without a fight!
A video of my statement to UH BOR is after the jump, but for more about this issue check out:
The Houston Chronicle’s Editorial from Friday Morning
The Houston Chronicle’s article printed after the meeting
Off The Kuff gives his perspective
BrianReading tells reminds us of UH-D’s importance to the UH-System
Mean Green Cougar Red: Call it Houston City University
And Dos Centavos, he liked U. of South Texas… sorta
