Last fall, members of the CC community raised allegations that William F. Slocum engaged in sexual misconduct while he was president of the college. President Jill Tiefenthaler investigated this matter and then brought it to the CC Board of Trustees for their consideration. Based upon its review of the matter, the board found that there is overwhelming and uncontroverted evidence that Slocum engaged in instances of sexual misconduct and egregious sexual assault while he was president of the college. Such behavior was reprehensible and is in direct conflict with the mission and values of Colorado College.

Accordingly, the board decided unanimously to rescind the honorary degree bestowed on him in 1917 and ordered the immediate removal of his name from the residence hall and commons building on the corner of Nevada Avenue and Cache La Poudre Street. These facilities will be known temporarily as South Hall and South Commons. In a year or two, in order to put some distance between the old name and the new, the board will initiate a naming process, soliciting input from the campus community.

Because Slocum also accomplished important achievements for the college during his tenure, including expanding the student body, increasing the number of faculty, and raising a significant amount of money to build 10 campus buildings, the board has asked President Tiefenthaler to form a campus committee of students, faculty, staff, and trustees to recommend ways to represent his full legacy on campus. Consistent with our mission and values, the college should neither ignore his accomplishments nor his disturbing flaws. The board has taken these actions because sexual assault and sexual harassment are unacceptable today, and were unacceptable in Slocum’s time.