HOUSTON – The Calhoun Lofts on the campus of the University of Houston will be renamed University Lofts, according to the university.
UH said that "in the wake of recent events," the university has decided to change the name.
Calhoun Lofts was originally named to coincide with the name of the street that runs through campus.
The school said that even though the Calhoun Lofts building was not named in recognition of John C. Calhoun, the university decided to change the name out of sensitivity to its diverse student community.
Calhoun was the seventh vice president of the United States. He was in office from March 4, 1825 – Dec. 28, 1832.
UH students react to the recent announcement.
"I think it's a great move considering all of the racial tensions in our country right now. It shows that our university doesn't stand for any type of bigotry," UH graduate Woodrow Claybon said
"I feel indifferent because they didn't name it after the person," said UH student Sumaiya Jawaid said.
"I'm not bothered by it. I don't know anyone else on campus bothered by it. Me as a Mexican American, (I'm) not bothered by it at all," said UH student Cesar Enriquez.
Here is the full statement from the university:
"The University of Houston does not have statues, memorials or monuments honoring the Confederate era. Calhoun Lofts were originally named to coincide with the name of the adjacent city street when the university began its aggressive residential expansion in the last decade. While the residence hall was not named in recognition of John C. Calhoun, in the wake of recent events, and out of sensitivity to our diverse student community the university has decided to change the name to University Lofts. The change will be made as soon as practical."
