Before launching the discussions, Douglas played a video of New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu speaking in May about why he chose to remove four Confederate monuments from the city.

“We’re hoping to explore the importance of examining and learning from history in order to pursue reconciliation, and this video is intended to spark critical thinking ...” Douglas told the group. “We do not expect you all to see the video in the same way.”

Then, with the help of facilitators, the participants answered questions such as, “What do you think the difference is between remembering history and revering history?” and “What does reconciliation mean to you?” Each group also had a note taker, who was tasked with gathering answers to pass along to the work group, which will make recommendations to the Architectural Naming Committee and OSU President Ed Ray.

Next, the university will hold four meetings, one for each of the building names being reconsidered. During those gatherings, the work group will present reports on the history of each building and its namesake. Those reports are being compiled by historians. Participants will again discuss in small groups about whether the building should be renamed and note takers will provide the feedback to the work group.