There has been considerable controversy about whether Catt Hall, located in the middle of Iowa State University’s main campus, should be renamed. This building presently houses the Department of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

It is currently named after Carrie Chapman Catt, who actively fought to promote the advancement of women’s rights locally and nationally.

When the Old Botany building was renovated, several people were very supportive of the university’s decision to rename it after Ms. Catt.

The problem arose when it was revealed that while promoting women’s rights, Ms. Catt also made several racist statements.

Old Botany Hall, which is now Catt Hall, is looking at yet another name because of the racial controversy behind its present one.

Some of the people against the present name have taken extreme measures to persuade the university to change it.

The best example of this would be The September 29th Movement, which involves a man who has gone on a hunger strike to convince the university to change the name.

Being an African-American female, I can sympathize with both groups.

Very rarely is a woman recognized for her accomplishments.

For example, the majority of educators are women, but over 80 percent of the buildings at educational institutions are named after men.

By naming Catt Hall, ISU has not only recognized one woman for her accomplishments, they have also made a positive statement about women.

The fact Carrie Chapman Catt was racist does hurt me as an African-American.

I have to realize she was racist during a time when it was the norm. Several of the buildings on this campus and other campuses throughout the U.S. carry the names of men who were racist.

I am not saying I tolerate racism. What I am saying is it is wrong to hold this woman up to twentieth century standards, especially when men are not held up to these same standards.

However, I also think it is wrong to say that because she lived during a different time, it is acceptable she held racist views. Racism never has been nor will it ever be acceptable.

The building has been named. I don’t think that decision should be changed unless we are going to rename every building across the country named after a racist male or female.

What I do think is we should honor her for her accomplishments and learn from her mistakes.

We all make mistakes. That does not mean our achievements are less significant than our failures, nor does it mean we should ignore the times when we fail as human beings.

What is most important is that we and others learn from our mistakes. One way to do that would be to put a memorial in Catt Hall recognizing all those who have been hurt by racism.

With this memorial, there should not only be an explanation about the positive things Carrie Chapman Catt did for women, but also an explanation about the university’s standpoint on her racial attitudes.

That way everyone who visited Catt Hall would be reminded of the problems caused by racism, but we would still be able to honor a woman who did accomplish a lot in her lifetime.

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Regan D. Waller

Senior

Liberal Arts and Sciences