The newly formed six-member Jordan Committee appointed by IU President Michael McRobbie will review the names of Jordan Hall, Jordan River, Jordan Avenue, the Jordan Parking Garage and any scholarships, fellowships or other awards that bear former IU President David Starr Jordan’s name, according to a July 2 release.
The move comes amid increased criticism over Jordan’s background as a eugenicist. On June 12, 76 members of the biology department wrote a letter to McRobbie and other IU administrators requesting Jordan Hall to be renamed. Separately, an online petition to rename Jordan Hall, Jordan Avenue and Jordan River has received 4,343 signatures as of press time.
“Removing a name from a building is a serious matter that should not be undertaken without thorough research and the preparation of a detailed report and case for removal of, changing or the keeping of a name," McRobbie said in the release.
The committee will conduct its review and submit a recommendation to change, remove or keep the Jordan name on campus to the president, provost and the University Naming Committee by Sept. 1.
The members of the Jordan Committee are Karen Bravo, dean and professor at the IU McKinney School of Law at IU-Purdue University Indianapolis; Austen Parrish, dean and Rudy Professor at the IU Maurer School of Law; Richard Gunderman, the chancellor's professor of radiology, pediatrics, medical education, philosophy, liberal arts, philanthropy and medical humanities and health studies, the John A. Campbell professor of radiology and bicentennial professor; James Madison, the Thomas and Kathryn Miller emeritus professor of history; Charlie Nelms, vice president emeritus and professor emeritus of education at the School of Education; and Linda Smith, distinguished professor and chancellor's professor of psychological and brain sciences.
Biographies of the members of the Jordan Committee are available on IU’s website.
