Middlebury College Removes Name of Chapel Amid Alleged Eugenics Ties
In a surprising move, Middlebury College has removed the name of Mead Memorial Chapel due to its alleged ties to eugenics. The decision was made by Middlebury College president Laurie Patton and the chairman of the board of trustees, who quietly had the stone bearing the chapel’s name removed from the building.
The decision to de-name the chapel was announced in a message to the Middlebury community with no prior public debate or discussion. According to the announcement, the trustees undertook a careful and deliberative process before reaching this decision. However, the decision has sparked controversy and criticism from a number of Middlebury alumni.
The controversy stems from the fact that John Mead, after whom the chapel was named, had no apparent connections to slavery or any involvement in promoting eugenics. Mead was a Vermont native who served in the Union Army during the Civil War and had a successful medical career. However, an independent researcher named Mercedes De Guardiola discovered a reference to eugenics in Mead’s 1912 farewell address.
Mead’s statement in the address expressed support for denying marriage licenses to individuals with syphilis, rapists, and alcoholics. He also advocated for vasectomies for those with hereditary diseases. While these views were in line with prevalent ideas about eugenics at the time, it is important to note that Mead did not play a role in the passing of Vermont’s sterilization law years after his death.
Interestingly, Middlebury College itself had a history of involvement in the eugenics movement. The college made the study of eugenics mandatory for all freshmen in the 1920s, five years after Mead’s passing. This raises questions about the selective de-naming of Mead Memorial Chapel and whether Middlebury College should take a more comprehensive approach to addressing its own past involvement in eugenics.
The decision to remove the chapel’s name reflects a larger trend of erasing historical figures and symbols based on their alleged connections to controversial movements. However, it is worth considering whether canceling the name of the chapel as a gesture against eugenics is necessary, given that mainstream society no longer supports eugenics. The decision appears to be driven by a desire to align with current progressive ideals rather than a genuine need to rectify past wrongs.
The controversy surrounding the de-naming of Mead Memorial Chapel has led to a lawsuit filed against Middlebury College officials for their decision. The judge has ruled that the lawsuit can proceed, suggesting that there may be legal implications for the college’s actions.
This case highlights the ongoing culture war within Middlebury College and the broader attempts by elites to erase aspects of American history. It also underscores the importance of considering different perspectives and engaging in public debate before taking such actions. The decision to de-name the chapel without open discussion raises questions about Middlebury’s commitment to inclusivity and honoring the contributions of those who built the college.
Ultimately, the de-naming of Mead Memorial Chapel serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between addressing historical controversies and maintaining a respectful understanding of the past. Middlebury College now faces the challenge of navigating this cultural conflict while preserving its legacy as an institution of higher education.
