Naming or Renaming University Places
UNB has a rich, long-standing history in New Brunswick. Since its establishment in 1785, we have made significant impacts on our community and across the country, while providing students with innovative, exceptional and transformative post-secondary experiences.
A changing perspective
As society evolves to become more inclusive, diverse and equitable for all people, critical conversations surrounding named places, particularly at post-secondary institutions throughout North America, have been taking place.
With many of UNB’s buildings and learning spaces named after leaders of their time, conversations of a similar nature are taking place within our university community.
UNB students, faculty, staff and members of the public have raised concerns regarding the name of Ludlow Hall on the university’s Fredericton campus. As an institution committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and Truth and Reconciliation, an examination of all named spaces on our university’s two campuses is essential.
Understanding the past
Visit UNB Libraries' website Archival Resources Related to Naming UNB Buildings to examine original documents relating to the historical naming of places at UNB. The list will continue to evolve as archived documentation is shared on the web.Working Group on the Principles of Naming and Renaming University Places
To address this issue, the Working Group on the Principles of Naming and Renaming University Places was formed. Established in December 2019 by Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle, president and vice-chancellor of UNB, the group will complete its work in three phases.
Throughout this process, we seek to disentangle our learned history, grow through truth, and heal through mutual knowledge and understanding.
Phase One Recommendations
The Working Group’s Phase One Report was approved by the UNB Board of Governors on May 26, 2020. The approved recommendations include:
- Effective immediately, the Ludlow name will be removed from the Faculty of Law building.
- A permanent display which explores Ludlow’s history with slavery and Indigenous schooling in early New Brunswick will be installed within the Faculty of Law building. This exhibit will also explain why George Duncan Ludlow’s name was removed from the building.
- When it becomes possible, UNB will hold an educational event to share what the university has learned through the exploration of these historical issues, furthering UNB’s path to Truth and Reconciliation by encouraging scholarship on the African-Canadian and Indigenous history of New Brunswick.
The Working Group’s Phase One recommendations were based on thorough research and discussion. The recommendations were based on targeted consultation with academic and community groups and written submissions from members of the UNB community and greater public, historical research on George Duncan Ludlow, and an examination of information pertaining to Ludlow Hall’s naming in 1968.
The Working Group continues its work in the review of named places at UNB. Phase Two of their work will result in recommendations to improve our policies and principles to consider any necessary changes that will guide our naming practices going forward.
More information
For a detailed description of the working group's goals, process and timeline, download the terms of reference for the Working Group on the Principles of Naming or Renaming University Places. Contact namedplaces@unb.ca for more information.
