Presidential Commission on University History
February 12, 2021 at 2 p.m.
Type of Meeting: Microsoft Teams
Meeting Facilitator: Harris Pastides
This called meeting of the Presidential Commission on University History at the University of South Carolina Columbia campus took place virtually via Microsoft Teams. Harris Pastides, President Emeritus at the University of South Carolina, called this meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.
Next Meeting: February 18, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.
Pam Pope – Roll Call
Attendees: Dan Adams, Christian Anderson, Jessica Allison, Stacey Bradley, Maggie Carson, Melissa DeVelvis, Myisha Eatmon, Walter Edgar, Jessica Elfenbein, Edward Floyd, Jennifer Gunter, William Hubbard, IS Leevy Johnson, Jonathan Leader, Andrea L’Hommedieu, Valinda Littlefield, Mercedes Lopez-Rodriquez, Derrick Meggie, Harris Pastides, Carla Pfeffer, Karen Roberts, Issy Rushton, Todd Shaw, Harry Singleton, James Smith, David Snyder, Elizabeth West, Hannah White, Qiana Whitted, Jeffrey Wilkinson, Julian Williams.
Absent: Seaton, Waites, Weyeneth
Harris Pastides – Call to Order and Purpose
Commission Co-Chair Harris Pastides called the meeting to order at 2pm and provided clarification about the voting process. University Counsel confirmed that a vote on the criteria must take place within the meeting, not afterward.
He stated each individual criterion would be discussed and a voice vote would be called for each. After discussion, the Commission agreed to vote on the criteria as a whole, rather than one at a time. Any amendments to individual criteria would be made by motion, seconded, discussed and voted on by the Commission.
Review of the Criteria and Discussion
Dan Adams moved that a tenth criterion, taking into account “reconciliation,” be added. His motion was seconded. Discussion ensued about whether the concept of “reconciliation” was included in other criteria. The motion to add the tenth criterion failed to carry.
A motion was made by Mercedes Lopez-Rodriguez and seconded to amend Criterion 2 to the following: “Though other aspects of the namesake’s life and work are noteworthy to the University or the greater community, the namesake exhibited offensive behavior or viewpoints outside of their career or public persona.” After discussion, this motion carried.
Vote
IS Leevy Johnson made the motion, seconded by Christian Anderson, to adopt the nine criteria. The motion carried.
Other Business
James Smith brought up the Commission’s charge to educate. The History Subcommittee has the responsibility for this and information from that subcommittee will be shared at the next full Commission meeting on February 18.
Harris Pastides complimented the subcommittees on their work.
It was agreed that the meeting schedule for the rest of the semester will be presented and subcommittee reports will be received at the next Commission meeting, to be held on February 18.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 3:30.