The University of Cincinnati is establishing a commission to look at the legacy of founder Charles McMicken after pushback from student government.

President Neville Pinto sent a message to students saying the commission will "devote the upcoming semester to studying this issue and engaging with the will."

In McMicken's will, he left the city the funds to start a university but stipulated that it should be a college for "white boys and girls."

The move from President Pinto follows a November vote from Student Government that supported the removal of McMicken's name from the College of Arts and Sciences, according to the News Record.

"Though the university removed McMicken’s name from its marketing and signage last summer, no official change has been made to the college’s name," theNews Record reported. "While the resolution does not guarantee any official action from the university, it does signify SG’s written support that the college’s name should be changed."

More:Our history: Origin of UC complicated

According to the university, McMicken was a businessman who died of pneumonia in 1858 in Cincinnati. At the time of his death, a large sum of money was given to the city to fund a university. UC was founded in 1870 when his gift and other funds were combined.

According to an article on his legacy, McMicken was a slaveowner but also provided land to free people of color. The article said he also donated money for the resettlement of African-Americans in Liberia.

"McMicken is generally considered as the founder of UC, and thus integral to our institutional history," UC said.

Read the full statement from Pinto :

We write to inform you that we are establishing a special university-wide commission to examine the life and legacy of Charles McMicken and the use of his name at the University of Cincinnati. The commission will devote the upcoming semester to studying this issue and engaging with the community, culminating in the submission of a formal report to the President for consideration. Representing a broad cross-section of university constituents, the commission will be cochaired by Lou Bilionis and Janet Reid. Professor Bilionis, dean emeritus of the College of Law, is a highly accomplished scholar, teacher and administrator. In addition to cochairing the university’s Diversity Council for many years, Professor Bilionis has led several cross-college committees throughout his career. Dr. Reid is a nationally recognized and respected expert on equity and inclusion. She has worked with dozens of colleges and universities, in addition to having served as a trustee for The Ohio State University and Xavier University. We want to extend our admiration and appreciation to them for co-leading this critical endeavor.

Enquirer Media partner Fox19 contributed to this report.