Oklahoma State purges racist governor's name

STILLWATER, Okla. – The governing board of Oklahoma State University Friday ordered the removal of the name of the state’s 9th governor from campus halls because of his racist reputation.

Murray Hall and North Murray Hall were named after William H. “Alfalfa Bill” Murray in 1935, the year his only term as governor ended. Earlier in his political career, he was twice elected to the U.S. House from Oklahoma.

University President Burns Hargis recommended the school’s board of regents remove Murray’s name because his racist policies “stripped many black Oklahomans of their constitutional right to vote.” The nine-member body responded with a unanimous decision.

Students and faculty had urged the university for years to rename the Murray buildings, which house offices and classrooms. More than 5,000 people recently signed a petition to remove his name.

Read more: https://www.athensreview.com/cnhi_network/oklahoma-state-purges-racist-governor-s-name/article_ac177c9a-322f-5228-b082-0192827e4311.html