Wesleyan College, a Georgia based Liberal Arts College for women has announced the discontinuation of use of class names for current and future students.
The decision was taken owing to the “historical controversy” the names have been embroiled into. The class names linked to white supremacists, Ku Klux Klan such as the Golden Hearts, Green Knights, and the Purple Knights were the cause of campus’s racial tension in the last few years.
“One name had clear connections to the South’s racist past, but the connection is less clear for the others,” the college said in a release.
“Just as sororities were retired in 1917, class names will be retired for current and future students. Class colors of purple, green, red, and gold will continue to connect past, present, and future students.”
According to Wesleyan President Vivia Fowler, the latest move is important for the growth of the college. “For Wesleyan to grow, we must embrace change. This is critical to Wesleyan’s future,” Fowler said.
The college has further announced to launch new sisterhood initiatives to help students bond with one another and the college.
The initiatives themed as “One Wesleyan. Many Voices. Find Yours” will promote various activities which includes organizing a leadership, service, and sisterhood oriented class structure and promoting unity among all the students.