Swarthmore College, a liberal arts college in Pennsylvania, has removed the name of a former professor from one of its buildings after it was revealed that he excavated a Native American burial site over a century ago. The decision has sparked debate, with critics labeling the move as revisionist history.
Background of the Controversy
The building previously known as Trotter Hall was named after Spencer Trotter, a biology professor at the college. In 1899, Trotter dug up remains from a Lenape burial site and put them on public display. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Trotter also promoted racial hierarchy in his work. The college's president, Valerie Smith, announced last December that the building would be renamed following an 18-month investigation. Currently, the building is temporarily called "Old Science Hall," with a permanent name expected to be announced this fall.
College President's Statement
President Smith emphasized that the renaming is an acknowledgment of past harm and a commitment to learning from history. "It is an acknowledgment of harm, a commitment to learn from our past, and an affirmation of our responsibility to care for the stories and legacies held on this campus," she said. She also acknowledged that the news might stir difficult emotions and concerns among the community.
Details of the Excavation
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported in April 2022 that two professors had excavated the Lenape burial site, but Trotter's name was not initially mentioned. The site was later donated to the Delaware Nation tribe for $1 in March of that year. In May 2023, Smith revealed Trotter's involvement, stating that the school must "reflect on and confront our past." She added, "Our work to try to answer those questions is ongoing. And none of these facts change the distressing truth that more than 120 years ago and for an unknown period thereafter, these remains were held and displayed here. No matter the educational intentions or that these practices may have been commonplace at the time they occurred, these remains should have been treated with dignity and respect and should never have been removed from their burial site."
Opposing Views
Not everyone supports the renaming. Some alumni and faculty have voiced disagreement. Swarthmore alumnus Steve Harari said, "I also don't see the merit in renaming Trotter Hall. Revisionist behavior like this undermines Swarthmore's mission of intellectual honesty and curiosity." Associate professor of psychology Cat Norris, who led a task force to find a new name, acknowledged the criticism: "We have gotten messages from people who say, 'Why judge actions of someone 125 years ago by our current standards today?' And that is a fair argument."
