from Charles E. Ramirez of the Detroit News,
The University of Michigan may remove the name of college football legend Fielding H. Yost from the Yost Ice Arena.
A panel has recommended the university remove Yost's name and is asking members of the school campus community for feedback on the proposal. The President’s Advisory Committee on University History is accepting input on the plan until June 7....
Officials said the panel of university historians studied the issue for a year after several requests to remove Yost's name from the arena. It determined that Yost's contributions to UM football and athletics were inequitably placed above the “profoundly deep and negative impact he had on people of color,” they said....
Yost served as the school's athletic director from 1921-41. During his tenure, he conceived and oversaw the construction of Michigan Stadium.
It was also during this time that Yost was instrumental in benching African American football star Willis Ward because Georgia Tech refused to play Michigan at home if an African American was allowed to play. That decision was a factor in the committee's decision to recommend changing the arena's name.
Create an Account
In order to leave a comment, please create an account.