Colorado College Removes Former President’s Name From Buildings

Colorado College will strip the name of a former president, William F. Slocum, from campus buildings after news surfaced that he was accused of sexual misconduct more than 100 years ago.

The decision occurred after national conversations around the #MeToo movement reignited interest in the allegations.

Last year a university archivist found that Slocum, who was president from 1888 to 1917, had resigned after the college’s Board of Trustees investigated his behavior with women on the campus and asked him to leave.

Jill Tiefenthaler, the college’s president, investigated the matter, and the Board of Trustees unanimously decided to remove Slocum’s name.

“Based upon its review of the matter, the board finds that there is overwhelming and uncontroverted evidence that Slocum engaged in instances of sexual misconduct and egregious sexual assault while he was president of the college,” the college said in a news release this week. “Such behavior was reprehensible and is in direct conflict with the mission and values of Colorado College.”

Slocum’s name will be removed from a residence hall and commons building. After two years, the board will begin the process of renaming Slocum Hall and Slocum Commons.

Others who have been honored by colleges and subsequently accused of sexual misconduct, like the casino magnate Steve Wynn, have also had their names removed from buildings and their honorary degrees rescinded.