Photo: James Rojas / WBZ
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio)— A Native American tribe wants Boston University to change the name of it Myles Standish dorm building.
In an online petition, the Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoa called upon Boston University President Robert A. Brown and the board of trustees to change the name of the dorm building that pays homage to the Pilgrim leader.
"Long celebrated by many as a New England folk hero, Myles Standish is remembered by this lands' first peoples for the extreme acts of violence he committed against their ancestors," the petition reads. "His leading role at the Massacre of Wessagusset resulted in the murder, execution, and dismemberment of several members of the Neponset Band of the Massachusett Tribe."
The tribe said after months of discussion, they believe the building should be renamed to the Wituwamat Memorial Hall after a warrior killed in the Massacre of Wessagusset. The petition calls for Boston University to honor its mission for diversity and inclusion by changing the name.
"It's time to honor the wishes of the Massachusett Tribe with a name that reflects BU's mission for equality and inclusivity."
This petition also cites that Myles Standish holds no direct connection to Boston University or the neighborhood it is located in, as the name originated from the original building. The dorm building was originally built in 1925 as a hotel and given the name the Myles Standish Hotel. Boston University purchased the hotel in 1944 and converted it into a dorm building.
The petition has over 500 signatures with a goal of 1,000.
WBZ’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasWBZ) has more:
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