Swarthmore College Removes Professor’s Name Over Controversial Past

In Pennsylvania, a liberal arts college has decided to strip the name of a former professor from one of its buildings due to his involvement in disturbing a Native American burial site. Critics have labeled this action as an attempt at revisionism.

Swarthmore College took down Spencer Trotter’s name from Trotter Hall after uncovering that he had exhumed remains from a burial site in 1899 and displayed them on campus, as reported by local news.

Trotter, associated with the biology department, was known for endorsing racial hierarchies, a notion that scholars have criticized as “scientific racism.”

University President Valerie Smith revealed in December that both Trotter Hall and Trotter Lawn would receive new names following an 18-month investigation.

The hall is currently referred to as “Old Science Hall,” with plans to finalize a permanent name this fall.

Smith emphasized that changing the name is more than just a rebranding effort and recognized that it might stir mixed feelings among the community.

“This is about acknowledging past harms and showing our commitment to learn from our history,” she stated. “We understand that such changes can evoke a range of emotions.”

In April 2022, two professors at the college excavated a Lenape burial ground but didn’t mention Trotter’s actions. This site has now been officially given to the Delaware Nation tribe for just $1; it’s the only recognized Native American cemetery in Chester County.

As the university dealt with these revelations, Smith stated in May 2023 that they needed to “reflect and confront” their history. The origins and condition of the remains found were still unclear.

Smith noted, “Our inquiries into these facts are ongoing. They do not change the unfortunate reality that these remains were improperly stored and displayed over 120 years ago.”

She mentioned, “Regardless of the educational intentions back then, these remains deserved to be treated with dignity and should never have been disturbed.”

A task force, comprising students and staff, is now working to propose a new, lasting name, though not all alumni support the renaming decision.

“I don’t see any benefit in renaming Trotter Hall,” remarked Steve Harari, a 1978 graduate. He expressed his thoughts to a college newspaper, labeling the situation as revisionist. “Such actions undermine Swarthmore’s commitment to intellectual integrity.”

Another perspective was offered by Kat Norris, an associate psychology professor and task force leader, who acknowledged the complexities of judging actions from over a century ago against today’s standards. “It’s a fair debate,” she suggested.