The University of Kentucky faculty of the African-American and Africana Studies program have asked the school to change the name of Rupp Arena.
In a letter sent to UK president Eli Capilouto, the AAAS program has called for Rupp Arena’s name to be changed as part of the school’s push for improved race relations on campus. They believe Adolph Rupp’s name is too associated with racism to remain on the arena that hosts one of college basketball’s greatest programs.
“The Adolph Rupp name has come to stand for racism and exclusion in UK athletics and alienates Black students, fans, and attendees,” the letter said.