George Wallace Jr. slams UA System board for removing father's name from UAB building Share Updated: 2:18 PM CST Feb 10, 2021 The Associated Press Share Updated: 2:18 PM CST Feb 10, 2021 Hide Transcript Show Transcript on behalf of our working group. We appreciate this opportunity to update the board of trustees on the careful research we've undertaken since June off this year. So we're over, ah, half a year of work meeting almost every Wednesday of week, based upon consultation with experts and through our own extensive investigation. Working group review The historical record of George Wallace, the 45th governor of the state of Alabama. Now, in doing so, our charge was review name buildings on our campuses relative to share values that include integrity, leadership, accountability, diversity, inclusion and respect. Of course, this process is ongoing. Today we present for your consideration the renaming of the George C. Wallace building on the campus. The University of Alabama at Birmingham. The physical education facility was named for Governor Wallace in 1975. We proposed that the new name to the physical Education building be the physical education building. It is important to note that we do not recommend changing names of buildings that honor Governor Lurleen Wallace, who was an ardent supporter off medical research and education Governor Wallace built his political career largely on defending an unlawful system of segregation, appealing to an exacerbating racial animosity and resisting lawful court orders, all to the detriment of state of Alabama and the University of Alabama system. The U. S System. The board of trustees are working group, and our campuses recognize Governor Wallace is complex legacy, including the well known acceptance of his apology by the great civil rights icon and leader Congressman John Lewis. Despite Governor Wallace's efforts to redeem himself for a minute there case of divisive and disrespectful action, the stain of his fury efforts to advance racial injustice text has cast a shadow that can neither be erased or justified. It is simply the right thing to do. I have spoken personally with Peggy Wallace Kennedy, who waas the daughter off George and Laura Ling Wallace. I've known her and Justice Kennedy, her husband for a long time and had a great conversation with him, and in that conversation, that's his. Kennedy and Mrs Kennedy have expressed their confidence in this boy's decision to rename the you a physical education building. In her own words, she said it is important that the university always see positive and meaningful change for the betterment of students, faculty and community. These were her very thoughtful words, and she made it clear that she was not speaking for the family, but certainly for herself and Justice Kennedy Protein Starnes. The resolution on today's agenda further amplifies our working groups recommendation and we request the board of trustees thoughtful consideration. This recommendation is made unanimously by that working group. Thank you.