Naval Academy Should Rename 2 Buildings: Maryland Congressman

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger wants the names of two American naval officers who fought for the Confederacy removed from buildings at the U.S. Naval Academy. As the newly-elected chairman of the U.S. Naval Academy's board of visitors, Ruppersberger said the Pentagon should consider removing Confederate names from all military bases.

Ruppersberger is specifically referencing the Naval Academy's superintendent’s residence, which is named after Franklin Buchanan who left to join the Confederate Navy at the start of the war. The academy’s weapons and systems engineering division is housed in Maury Hall, named after Confederate fighter Matthew Fontaine Maury.

“There has been discussion of renaming these buildings since at least 2017,” Congressman Ruppersberger said in a statement. “As the new chairman, the time for discussion is over. It’s time for action. Midshipmen who have earned the privilege to study in one of our nation’s most prestigious institutions should not have to walk around campus and see buildings named for men who fought to uphold slavery and promote white supremacy. This isn’t about erasing history. We simply shouldn’t lift up traitors who fought against American values like equality and tolerance.”

Pentagon leaders including the secretary of defense have indicated they are open to removing Confederate names from U.S. bases. The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps has announced a ban on Confederate battle flags in public spaces and work areas on its bases, ships and aircrafts.

Ruppersberger will present this issue at the next Naval Academy board meeting.

“We are working hard to attract minority applicants to our service academies and all of our service branches,” he said. “We must send a strong and unequivocal message to all potential minority applicants that we stand united in opposing the glorification of leaders who defended slavery.”