Advertisement SCAD students, alumni call for renaming of Clarence Thomas Center They say the name of the building sends the wrong message Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s hearings have re-opened a dialogue about Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, and his confirmation hearing in 1991. Attorney Anita Hill claimed that Thomas sexually harassed her, and an F-B-I investigation followed.Some SCAD students are calling for a re-branding of the Clarence Thomas Center for Historic Preservation.Many students WJCL spoke with say they had no idea the building was even named after the justice.Alumna Sage Lucero started the petition. She is one of many who says she didn’t know about the Clarence Thomas Center, and was shocked when she learned of it. “I don’t want any other female who has hopes and dreams to have to walk through the doors of that building. They shouldn’t have to be subjugated to that toxic feeling,”- said Lucero, who graduated in June. One senior who has signed the petition says the name of the building sends the wrong message. “By naming a building after Clarence Thomas makes it feel as though sexual assault in the workplace isn’t taken seriously...In this current political climate with what’s going on with Kavanugh, something needs to change,” said Sarah Boussey. Several students echo the sentiment. “It should be renamed so we’re not glorifying that culture,” said sophomore Cameron Brown.“I think they should change it. Just like all the buildings being changed with Confederate monuments,” said Lydia Baker. Not everyone agrees.“The claims were of sexual harassment in the workplace. Being a sexual predator means you violently sexually assault people.”Senior Andrew Paynter says he’s neutral about re-naming the building, but takes issue with the language of the petition- which asks to remove a sexual predator’s name. “Their bold claims seem to be too harmful. In our society, you just can’t accuse people of things,” said Paynter. The petition has garnered more than 500 signatures. Lucero says she’d like to see it renamed after Anita Hill, or see Thomas’ name taken off.SCAD says they are aware of the petition, and have reached out to Lucero. The Clarence Thomas Center for Historic Preservation was formerly a convent. Thomas served there as an altar boy. The building was named after him in 2010.