Filed Under: President's Post, Featured Articles

Earlier this spring, the Tennessee Historical Commission denied our petition to rename Forrest Hall.  During a conference call with the Tennessee Attorney General, he explained that a conflict of interest could exist if that office represented two state entities on opposing sides of a lawsuit.  Therefore, if we were to appeal, we would be required to hire outside legal counsel at our expense.  After extended deliberation with key stakeholders, I have decided not to appeal that decision.

I continue to believe that renaming Forrest Hall is the right thing to do.  However, the cost of an appeal would be significant and there is a real possibility that we would not be successful.   Given these circumstances, I believe the money we would pay to retain outside counsel should instead be used toward our mission of supporting student success resulting in degree completion.  Despite the fact that the name Forrest Hall will remain, our efforts to ensure that MTSU remains an inclusive place where all students and staff feel welcome will continue unabated.