During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the formation of a naming committee aimed at addressing place names and monuments in Eugene that are associated with white supremacy. The initiative seeks to engage the community in identifying these names and to conduct research that will inform recommendations for renaming or removing such monuments.
The proposal emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, with references to marginalized and underserved communities. The committee's findings will be compiled into a report for the Human Rights Commission (HRC) and the city council, which will include actionable recommendations for change.
There was also a discussion about consolidating this initiative with a previously approved resolution, which focused solely on research. Officials noted that merging the two proposals would enhance the comprehensiveness of the effort, ensuring that the research leads directly to recommendations for action.
The meeting highlighted a commitment to addressing historical injustices and fostering a more inclusive community dialogue regarding public spaces and their names.