University, hospital move away from 'Dixie,' but locals are split

Some institutions in southern Utah are moving away from the name Dixie because of its ties to the confederacy. The hospital will have a new name in 2021 and the university could be next, if the state Legislature passes a bill to do so.

But there are also efforts within the community to keep the name around, and they’re hoping legislators will listen to them, KUER reported.

Troy Blanchard is one of the leaders of the Defending Southwestern Utah Heritage Coalition, and their motto is “stand up for Dixie.” He said he knows it will be an uphill battle to keep the name of the university, since a change was unanimously recommended by the board of trustees and state board of higher education.

But he said he has hope southern Utah legislators will listen to their constituents.

Read more: https://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/2020/12/26/utah-institutions-dixie-university-hospital-st-george/4048610001/
(St. George The Spectrum)