PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — At their regular meeting today (External Site) at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, the University of Maine System (UMS) Board of Trustees voted to accept a task force’s recommendation to remove references to George Mitchell from institutional naming and honors within the state’s largest educational and research enterprise.
In light of emerging information, in February UMS Chancellor Dannel Malloy and University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy initiated a task force (External Site) to review and make recommendations about naming associated with the former Senator, including of its nationally respected sustainability solutions center (External Site) and prestigious peace scholarship (External Site).
The work of the university task force, which included faculty, staff and student members, was informed by existing System policies, including 315 Commemorative Naming or Renaming of Academic Units and Programs and 803 Naming and Renaming of Physical Facilities, as well as stakeholder and public comment. Consistent with its charge and those existing System policies, the task force considered only whether continuing to use the name of this former Senator could harm the university, and it did not evaluate specific allegations about him.
In its report (External Site), the task force acknowledged Mitchell’s lengthy and distinguished record of public service and impact, which led to his name being added to programs, places, scholarships and funds at the university decades ago. Nonetheless, it ultimately determined, “While no findings of wrongdoing by Senator Mitchell have been made, in light of the material that has recently been made public by the U.S. Department of Justice, and mindful of the experiences of victims and survivors, the task force concludes that continued use of Senator Mitchell’s name would compromise the public trust and reflect adversely upon the university and its reputation.”
Nearly three-quarters of those who responded to a university and public comment solicitation from the task force requested Mitchell’s name be removed to avoid negative associations.
With the Trustees’ action today, the University of Maine Center for Sustainability Solutions will be the temporary new name of the research and engagement center at the flagship that focuses on building a better world beginning in Maine, including by strengthening the resilience of coastal fisheries and communities, lowering energy costs and risks of PFAS contamination, reducing food waste and food insecurity, supporting lake conservation, promoting sustainable agriculture practices and training the next generation of leaders and problem solvers. Meanwhile, the prestigious award that supports student exchange between Maine’s public universities and Ireland will be renamed the University of Maine Peace Scholarship.
While the name change is effective immediately, updating institutional websites, materials and signage — including on Norman Smith Hall on the Orono campus where the Center for Sustainability Solutions is located — will take several months.
Earlier this year, the Waterville Board of Education voted to remove Mitchell’s name from a local elementary school, Queen’s University Belfast in Ireland removed his name from an institute there and his portrait was taken down in the Maine State House.
Maine’s public universities condemn sexual violence and exploitation and provide support to students, faculty and staff who have been impacted by sexual and relationship violence or stalking, including through Confidential Resource Advisors and Title IX Services.
About the University of Maine System
The University of Maine System (UMS) is the state’s largest driver of educational attainment and economic development and its seven public universities and law school are the most affordable in New England. Over the past two decades, UMS has awarded 106,362 degrees and spurred and strengthened thousands of small Maine businesses through its world-class research and development activities. For more information, visit www.maine.edu.
Media Contact:
Samantha Warren
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207-632-0389 / samantha.warren@maine.edu
