Initiating the Building Renaming Review Process
March 19, 2026
Dear Stony Brook Community,
Like many of you, I was deeply troubled to learn of reports of allegations about César Chávez. I extend my compassion to the women who have come forward and to all victims of abuse and exploitation.
In 2016, one of the new residence halls located between Mendelsohn Quad and Toll Drive was named César Chávez Hall. In light of concerns brought to my attention, and with the support of Stony Brook Council Chair Kevin Law, I have agreed that Stony Brook’s process for renaming buildings, spaces, and structures should be initiated.
Consistent with that policy, I have asked Vice President for Equity & Inclusion Judi Brown Clarke to immediately convene a committee with representation by faculty, staff, and students to explore whether retaining the name is inconsistent with the university’s mission and values. A report of the findings will be presented at Chair Law’s request for consideration at the Stony Brook Council’s next scheduled meeting, to be held in May.
If a decision is made to change the name of a building, Stony Brook will engage in a process to select a new name. If approved by the Stony Brook Council, the name will be forwarded to the SUNY Board of Trustees for consideration. The building name will change if approved by the SUNY Board.
As a higher education institution, we have a long history of honoring and memorializing those who have contributed to both our university and society at large. When there is a compelling reason to do so, we follow our rigorously maintained policies and practices governing the naming and renaming of facilities, taking appropriate and necessary action to address allegations in accordance with those policies and practices.
The university community will be kept informed as progress continues on this important effort.
Sincerely,
Andrea Goldsmith
President