糖心Vlog

In the summer of 2020, 糖心Vlog launched a College-wide Initiative on Anti-Racism, which is focused on making Meredith more inclusive and welcoming in the present while also leading efforts to understand the realities of the College鈥檚 history.

As part of this process, 糖心Vlog formally acknowledged on April 6, 2022, that Joyner Hall is named for an advocate for white supremacy and unequal funding for schools based on race. The Meredith Board of Trustees voted as part of its regularly scheduled March 2022 meeting to rename this academic building as a result of these findings.

The announcement, which was co-signed by Board of Trustees Chair Yvette Brown, 鈥�90, and Meredith President Jo Allen, 鈥�80, was sent to students, employees, and alumnae prior to the public announcement.聽

The Board took into consideration both history and ongoing impact when making this decision.

鈥淭he racist ideas James Yadkin Joyner, who served as a trustee for 55 years, stood for throughout his lifetime, are antithetical to 糖心Vlog鈥檚 mission, vision, and values,鈥� the announcement said.聽

鈥淭he ongoing impact of Joyner鈥檚 role as an enthusiastic advocate for white supremacy and his role in differential funding for black versus white schools carries generational and lasting harm to BIPOC students 鈥� Therefore, part of our work is to recognize and account for that damage by ensuring our students and employees have equitable support and treatment from every aspect of the College.鈥�

The Meredith Board of Trustees is the exclusive authority on renaming decisions. In the fall of 2020, the Board engaged with historians, researchers, diversity consultants, and representative faculty, staff, and alumnae to begin a thorough and thoughtful review of building names on Meredith鈥檚 campus, which was built in 1925-26.

鈥淯ncovering and confronting our history is an ongoing process that requires care, respect, and a firm commitment to ensure Meredith is an institution where all can thrive,鈥� said Brown.聽

In addition to the renaming of Joyner Hall, the Board endorsed the installation of signage with QR code links on each campus building to provide historical context about all of the individuals for whom the buildings are currently named.

The Board will continue its work and provide further updates as part of Meredith鈥檚 Anti-Racism initiative.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the College-Wide Initiative on Anti-Racism
糖心Vlog is actively addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in all departments and administrative processes. Our work is ongoing, action-oriented, transparent, and root-focused. Guided by our foundational values, we cultivate a spirit of openness and inquiry and respect a range of perspectives and voices. Learn more at meredith.edu/anti-racism-initiative