From the President
Posted: Thursday, July 30, 2020Confronting History
As our country continues to face an imperative racial reckoning, many communities, including institutions of higher learning, have been confronted with historical and painful reminders of a world that once embraced slavery and a United States history that includes the enslavement of generations of African Americans. Statues and monuments that once stood to honor individuals for their contributions to society—while ignoring their racist pasts—are under close examination, and some have been toppled or removed as today’s citizenry seeks to tear down the symbols, policies, and structures that support systematic racism. Racism is the foundation that has created decades of discriminatory, unjust, and brutal behaviors with current manifestations persisting today. While the decision to remove disturbing symbols of our past is often wrought with controversy, the removal of these racist relics provides communities with an important opportunity to heal and to forge a path toward equity together.
Earlier this month, Buffalo State College was confronted with one of those painful reminders. Late last week, it was brought to my attention that Peter Buell Porter—the eponym of Porter Hall, a residence hall on campus—and his wife were slave owners. Heralded for his heroics as a soldier during the War of 1812 and his roles as a businessman and lawyer, Porter served as a U.S. congressman, U.S. secretary of war, and New York secretary of state. Buffalo State’s first high-rise residence hall was named after Porter in 1980. Regrettably, history also shows that when Porter’s wife, Letitia Breckenridge, moved to Buffalo, she brought with her from Kentucky five enslaved African Americans, maintaining their enslaved servitude to work on their property in New York.
Upon learning of this upsetting fact, and after consultation with Buffalo State College Council Chairman Linda Dobmeier, we requested that the College Council’s Naming of Building and Grounds Committee review the matter and consider removing Porter’s name from the building and renaming the residence hall Bengal Hall until a new permanent name can be identified. That committee met on Wednesday and unanimously recommended the change to the full College Council, which will vote on a resolution regarding the issue during a special session on Friday, July 31. Upon approval by the College Council, implementation of the new temporary name can take place immediately. Signage and references to Porter Hall in all publications and websites will be phased out in the coming weeks and months.*
Additionally, I have charged Daniel DiLandro, head of archives and special collections, and Steve Peraza, assistant professor of history and social studies education, with conducting a thorough review of all other named buildings and facilities on campus to ensure that no other connections to slavery are memorialized. I have asked for their review to be completed by the end of the semester in order for the College Council to review the findings and take any necessary action during this academic year. Should further buildings or facilities be identified, we will work with the College Senate to engage students, faculty, staff, and alumni on a collaborative renaming process.
This is undoubtedly a challenging time in our nation’s history as we work together not only to overcome a historic pandemic but also to confront and deconstruct centuries of discrimination and oppression. Nevertheless, I am steadfast in my belief in the promise of our Buffalo State College community, what we stand for, and our collective fight for social justice.
*This paragraph was updated after initial publication to better reflect SUNY policy and procedures regarding temporary renaming of buildings and spaces. Only new permanent names of buildings and spaces on campus require approval by the Board of Trustees.*
