Washington
and Lee University may change its name—well, both
of them—in June when the school’s Board of Trustees meets to decide the matter.
The renaming controversy has surrounded the school for some time now, with many
students and some faculty demanding a change while others wish to keep the
current name of one of the oldest colleges in the country.
In 1796, George Washington donated
100 shares of James River Canal Company stock to the school, stock that he had
received in recognition to his selfless service to his country. It was
one of the largest donations to any educational institution at the time and
remains part of the institution’s endowment to this day, contributing to the
University's operating budget. Upon bestowing this gift, Washington stated that
higher education should prepare students for personal success and public
service, while also unifying diverse communities of students and teaching them
to live in harmony. That is an admirable goal, but, sadly, the opposite of what
colleges see as their mission today.
Four
months after Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox
Courthouse, the school’s board of trustees invited Lee to become president of
the college. They did so believing that his dedication to principle and duty
would inspire students and faculty alike.
Lee explained his motivation for accepting the
presidency in an 1865 letter to his wife: "Life is indeed gliding away and
I have nothing good to show for mine that is past. I pray I may be spared to
accomplish something for the benefit of mankind and the honour of God." In
another letter written the following spring, he noted: "So greatly have
[educational] interests been disturbed [in] the South, and so much does its
future condition depend upon the rising generation, that I consider the proper
education of its youth one of the most important objects now to be attained,
and one from which the greatest benefits may be expected."
Lee
instituted undergraduate courses in business and journalism, introduced modern
languages and applied mathematics, incorporated the law school, and expanded
offerings in the natural sciences. In short, he transformed the school into a
modern university. He also emphasized the importance of student self-governance
by putting the students in charge of the honor system the faculty had
previously overseen. He proclaimed: "As a general principle you should not
force young men to do their duty but let them do it voluntarily and thereby
develop their characters." That principle helped to engender a campus
culture that fostered honor, integrity, and civility. (All of which are sorely
lacking on today’s campuses, directly because of the incessant leftist
indoctrination.)
Upon Lee’s
death on Oct. 12, 1870, the college had significantly enhanced its financial
footing and grown its enrollment, thanks to Washington’s endowment and Lee’s guidance.
At that time, the faculty requested that the trustees rename the college,
originally called Augusta Academy and then rechristened Washington Academy, to
recognize Lee’s contributions. The trustees agreed, changing the name to Washington and Lee University. Let
us hope that the school’s current Board of Trustees respects the contributions
of both men, and the scope of history, and leaves the name as is. But don’t
count on it.
In
today’s climate, the school will likely be renamed “Marx and Engels University.” Possibly “Farrakhan and Sharpton University.” “Schumer and Pelosi University?” “The College
of Tlaib & Omar?”
Or, perhaps, in deference to our friends in the LGBTQ Community, “The College of Mary and Mary?”
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Postscript: Since this piece was
written, the college has decided not
to change its name at this time. Hallelujah!
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