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26 <br /> g. Discussion on the Renaming of UNC Student Stores in Honor of James Cates <br /> Chair Price reminded the Board that this item was added at the beginning of the meeting <br /> by Commissioner Dorosin. She said there is a petition being circulated to rename the Student <br /> Stores Building at UNC, formerly named after Josephus Daniels, in honor of James Cates, who <br /> was murdered there 50 years ago. <br /> Commissioner Greene said she understands the concern about the lack of a public <br /> hearing, but this petition is asking the Commissioners to speak with a collective voice. She said <br /> she has personally added her name, and feels strongly it would be a very important and good <br /> gesture to name this building after James Cates. She said the nation is in a time of racial <br /> reckoning, and this is an important gesture and she thinks the Board should lend its support. <br /> Commissioner Bedford said she also added her name personally, but is concerned the <br /> Board is getting out of its lane by supporting a building name change at a separate institution. <br /> She said it may not be appropriate for the BOCC to weigh in on the University's decision. <br /> Chair Price said the University is changing the names for several buildings, with more to <br /> come. She said she expects many names to be submitted for those various buildings on <br /> campus. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said he does not think the Board is getting out of its lane, and is <br /> not telling anyone what to do, but is rather letting the Board's position be known. He said the <br /> BOCC has taken repeated public stands about racial equity and against white supremacy. He <br /> said James Cates was murdered by white supremacists, and the people pushing for this change <br /> are longtime residents and constituents. He said there is MLK Jr. quote that is pertinent, but <br /> ultimately, this is a situation where the BOCC cannot afford to be silent. <br /> Chair Price said the quote is silence is violence. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton read portions of the email sent to the Board soliciting its <br /> endorsement of the petition. She agreed with Commissioner Dorosin, and said this is an <br /> endorsement, as a body supporting the renaming of the building. She said the Board has <br /> passed many resolutions as part of the push for racial reckoning and this endorsement is in line <br /> with those actions. <br /> Commissioner McKee said he did not say he had any issue with not having public <br /> comment. <br /> Chair Price said it was she who brought up the question of whether public comment was <br /> necessary. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin clarified the quote of which he was speaking. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Greene, for <br /> the Board to endorse the petition to rename the UNC Student Stores after James Cates. <br /> Commissioner Fowler said she supported the petition personally, and is also in favor of <br /> the Board endorsing it as a body. <br /> Chair Price said she to supported the petition personally, and James Cates' story will be <br /> a part of the exhibition at the Visitor's Bureau. <br /> Roll call ensued. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />