30 for 30:Ghosts of Ole Miss
How has the university tried to change it’s past and it’s traditions? (Definite Answer. Straight Up)
The University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss, has taken several steps to address and change its past and traditions associated with racial segregation and the Confederacy. These efforts include:
Removing Confederate Symbols: The university has removed Confederate flags from its sporting events and campus, and has taken down or relocated statues and monuments that glorify the Confederacy.
Changing Mascots: In 2003, Ole Miss retired its Colonel Reb mascot, which was seen as a symbol of the Old South and Confederate heritage. The university later introduced a new mascot, the Rebel Black Bear, and subsequently the Landshark.
Renaming Buildings: The university has renamed buildings that were named after individuals with ties to segregation and the Confederacy. For example, Vardaman Hall, named after a segregationist governor, was renamed.
Educational Initiatives: Ole Miss has implemented educational programs and initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion. This includes the establishment of the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation.
Public Acknowledgment: The university has publicly acknowledged its past and the role it played in racial segregation, including the violent resistance to the integration of James Meredith, the first African American student to enroll at Ole Miss in 1962.
These actions are part of a broader effort by the university to reconcile with its history and create a more inclusive environment for all students and faculty.