Special Committee on the Colonials Moniker

Update - June 15, 2022: The university announced that it will discontinue use of the Colonials moniker, following a decision by the Board of Trustees and the recommendation of the Special Committee on the Colonials Moniker. The Board and Special Committee determined that given the division among the community about the moniker, it can no longer serve its purpose as a name that unifies. The university is now undertaking a process to engage the community on choosing a new moniker.
 

Read the Special Committee Report


The George Washington University’s Special Committee on the Colonials Moniker was chaired by Mary Cheh, Elyce Zenoff Research Professor of Law, and included faculty, students, staff and alumni representatives who were charged with researching and evaluating the merits of the request for reconsideration of the naming of the Colonials moniker.

The committee met regularly to conduct its work and provided opportunities for members of the university community to share feedback during the process, including through a survey, virtual town halls, and a community feedback form. The committee provided updates to the university community as its work progressed.