Former Governor Sues Middlebury College Over Removal of Donor's Name

In one of the latest disputes over attempts to remove the names of past donors, WCAX reports that former Vermont Governor Jim Douglas is suing Middlebury College for the removal of a donor's family name from the school's chapel. The donor, former Governor John Mead, allegedly gave the funds for the chapel in 1914 on the condition that it bear his family's name. But in 2021 the school removed the name because of Governor Mead's "role in advancing eugenics policy." Governor Douglas filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Mead family, seeking to have the name restored and compensation for the litigation costs.

Additional coverage: AP News; Wall Street Journal (subscription requried).

Lloyd Mayer