I DAVID HUME
The University of Edinburgh in Scotland announced that it would rename a university building after George Floyd on Thursday. The Hume Tower was previously named after Scottish Enlightenment philosopher David Hume, who is thought of as a notable classical liberal political philosopher. The Hume Tower will now be known as 40 George Floyd.
The prestigious university, located in Scotland’s capital city, explained in a statement that the renaming was taking place because “of the sensitivities around asking students to use a building named after the 18th century philosopher whose comments on matters of race, though not uncommon at the time, rightly cause distress today.”
Many of Hume’s ideas and publications had influenced the American Revolution and later European movements against absolute monarchy.
The University of Edinburgh claims that the strange renaming is only temporary, but give no timeframe as to when the tower will be reverted to its original name, or changed back at all.
II GEORGE BERNARD SHAW
RADA Students Call for George Bernard Shaw's Name to be Dropped From Drama School's Theatre
The Daily Mail has reported that Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts students are calling for George Bernard Shaw's name to be removed from the drama school's theatre due to the playwrights support for fascism and eugenics.
The students have also asked the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art to stop performing Restoration comedies due to their association with the Empire.
The students' anti-racism plan states:
"RADA celebrates historical figures who embraced racist ideologies."
In an anti-racism document submitted to the school, the students ask for the school to remove "all paintings, sculptures, pictures and room names that celebrate racist figures."
They stated:
"It is deeply distressing that the basis of our education today continues to be lacking in variety or diversity."
A RADA spokesperson shared: "RADA's work with students and staff to establish an anti-racist institution and culture at RADA is ongoing, with the student action plan and its recommendations at the centre of that work."