University spokeswoman cries ‘reverse racism’ over plan to name new residence hall after person...

I applaud widening the lens of recognition beyond the common group but the main criteria should always have relevance: has this person made a measurable substantive contribution to the find of knowledge, to science, to humanity etc. my race, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, etc should be irrelevant. That is true societal tolerance

LTC (Join to see) - Agreed. And the perception some students must have is that regardless of main criteria that at the minimum race and gender had been used as a discriminator all this time; thus, the appearance of a lack of recognition of people of other races and women in general. What the school official and spokesmen should have said was "We want to assure everyone that the criteria being used for official naming of buildings on the campus does take in consideration of individuals from all backgrounds and we will continue to do so."
Accusing students or organizations of being racist will always put one in a controversial spotlight of unprofessional ignorance and arrogance.

MAJ Byron Oyler - Preferential treatment strictly based on race is racism? I thought that was also called privilege and bias. So before affirmative action, preferential treatment strictly went to one race. Affirmative action demanded all races and ethnicity had to be considered. Only racists consider affirmative action is privilege for a minority. And those that try to use it as privilege need to be retrained on what the purpose of affirmative action; that is, you can't refuse to look at my application because I'm Black or Brown or whatever. You don't have to hire me but you have to take in consideration my application. The days of a quota system are over and institutions should move on from it. Ensuring all qualified individuals that meet the university's criteria are being considered is not racism or preferential treatment. However, the dorm will be called "whatever" because whatever donated large amounts of money to school...well that does make sense and is acceptable explanation.

Agreed. Continue to recognize excellence being open to possibility of bias but not punishing nor rewarding based on accidents of birth or sexual decisions nor religious choices

I previously posted this ... and repeat it here:

I would be a lot more supportive if those desiring that a building be named after a person of color or a woman or both ... suggest a name deserving of the recognition, thereby indicating they have done a little research and put a little effort into what they claim to desire. Generally, as in this case, they don't. They just bitch and complain.