Maryland's student government joins push to have stadium's name changed

If student groups have their way, Maryland’s Byrd Stadium could be getting a new name.

A proposal to have the stadium’s name changed was backed by the student government Wednesday night amid protests that the stadium’s namesake held beliefs contrary to the school’s core principles.

H.C. “Curley” Byrd was a former university president from 1936 to 1954, and helped raise funds to get the stadium built in 1950. He also was a well-known racist, who prevented African-Americans from playing sports at Maryland until 1951 and fought for the separation of black and white students.

Because of that, a coalition of student groups, which included the NAACP, the Black Student Union, and other multicultural and Greek organizations, have pushed and even protested in an effort to get the name changed.

The Washington Post printed part of the resolution from the student government from Wednesday’s meeting:

“WHEREAS, Harry Clifton “Curley” Byrd (Byrd) , University President 1936-1954, used university funds to build what is now Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium; and,

WHEREAS, during Byrd’s Tenure he barred blacks from participating in sports and enrolling into the University until 1951 …

“THEREFORE BE IT ENACTED, that the SGA stand in solidarity with the student body in support of changing the name of Byrd Stadium; and,

BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, the University work with students, alumni, faculty/staff, athletics, and Capital One to find a suitable name for the football stadium.”

While student groups may be in agreement that the stadium’s name needs to be changed, the decision ultimately lies with he University System of Maryland Board of Regents.

Mike Lurie, a spokesman for the Board of Regents, told the Washington Post in an email that the regents aren’t yet considering a name change.

“Currently, the Byrd Stadium renaming question is one that, at this time, is being discussed on the UM College Park campus,” Lurie said. “Proposals to name or rename facilities are to be submitted by the institutional president to the chancellor and the board.”

For more Maryland news, visit TerrapinSportsReport.com.

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