Naming a building in someone's honor is no trivial matter. In many ways it publicly demonstrates an institution's values. As a spiritual institution of research and learning, BYU cherishes values of inclusion, enlightenment, safety, and virtue. As such, it is vitally important that BYU maintain its outward presentation consistent with its inner identity.

Abraham O. Smoot was a controversial historical figure who was instrumental in barring priesthood ordinations for Black members of the Church of Jesus Christ and legalizing slavery in the Utah Territory. Regardless of his financial contributions to the school, such a name with such a background does not reflect BYU's core values and should not be associated with this University.

There is a distressing lack of building named in the honor of women on campus, and as such I propose the following names as replacements for Abraham Smoot.

As the Amanda Knight Hall is now in disuse, I propose renaming the Administration Building in her honor.

Alice Louise Reynolds---the first female professor at BYU--would also be an excellent candidate.

Eliza R. Snow---an instrumental woman leader in the Church and the Utah Territory who encouraged women to be independent, seek education and engage civically.

I encourage and urge members of the BYU community to give careful consideration to this petition. BYU is a world-class University, and I know it has made and will make the necessary changes to continue the advancement of human knowledge.