Troy Renames Confederate Building---but HOW?

 

      I asked Troy University officials whether they received permission from the state to rename Bibb Graves Hall after the late Congressman John Lewis, and if so, who in the state gave their approval. There is a state law blocking the renaming of buildings, with a one-time fine of $25,000 anytime it is done without permission. 

     Graves was a segregationist Governor and Klan member. Here is my question, and the answer I received:

Q. I've been following and writing about the various Confederate statues and memorials being removed or changed, including the building-renaming on the Troy campus this week, and I have a question.

Did Troy get permission from the state to make the change without an apparent violation of the law mandating a $25k fine?

Which state agency/official approved the change without a fine, or did the University agree to pay a fine?

If the University issued a statement explaining the situation, may I have a copy of it. If not can you explain how the name change was approved?

A. "In June, Troy University Board of Trustees President Pro-Gibson Vance appointed an ad-hoc committee of trustees to review all named buildings at Troy University. The committee is examining the context and history of the naming of each building, the legal status of the naming, the authority by which they were named and any relevant consequences that have occurred since the original naming or that could occur as a result of the renaming of the building. No further renaming actions are expected.

 

The University continues to work with state officials to meet the requirements of the Memorial Preservation and does not expect further issues at this time.

So.....did Troy University just ignore the state law? Or did the state wink and look the other way? I don't know, at least not based on that reply from Troy U. I asked by clarification, but did not receive any reply by this morning.

And does Troy University's action mean the Montgomery School Board can do the same in renaming three confederate named schools, including Robert E. Lee High School, and NOT pay the $75k fine they anticipated paying?