George Washington University to stop using 'Colonials' name by 2023-24
The George Washington University will stop using the name "Colonials" for its teams by the 2023-24 academic year, the school announced Wednesday
The Colonials name has been criticized in the past for its association with colonialism, which is defined as domination of a people or area by a foreign state or nation, occupying it with settlers and exploiting it through economic means.
Officials at the Washington D.C. university said that the nickname has divided the community and “no longer serve(s) its purpose as a name that unifies."
The name change was part of a reexamination effort to look at other campus buildings or monikers that may offend.
NEVER MISS A MOMENT: Sign up for our Sports Newsletter now!
NOTRE DAME COACH: Says he was misquoted in comments about Ohio State
“I was impressed by the principled and collaborative approach of the special committee, and it was clear this process was driven by research and robust engagement with the community," George Washington president Mark S. Wrighton said in a statement. "While some may disagree with the outcome, this process has determined that changing the moniker is the right decision for our university.”
The name “Colonials,” has been used by the university since 1926, and is also the name for both its men's and women's sports teams. The new nickname will be determined through an "extensive community engagement" process.
The name change is just the latest as numerous schools have done away with offensive or controversial monikers and adopted new ones.
In 2006, Louisiana-Monroe changed its name from the Indians to the Warhawks. Two years later Arkansas State did the same, changing from Indians to the Red Wolves, and North Dakota dropped the Fighting Sioux name in 2012 in favor of the Fighting Hawks.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: George Washington University to stop using 'Colonials' name by 2023-24
