ST. GEORGE, Utah — Dixie State University’s Institute of Politics & Public Affairs will host a discussion Thursday on the possible name change for the school.
In December, the school's board of trustees voted to remove "Dixie" from its name, citing a consulting firm report which found recently-graduated students believed potential employers were concerned over the name of the school.
A week later, the Utah Board of Higher Education unanimously voted to recommend the name change. The change will now go before the Utah State Legislature where a vote will take place due to the school's name being in the state statute.
"Dixie" is often connected with the Confederacy and the South during the Civil War. The school's name came from the area being called "Dixie" in the early 1900s.
The panel will include members of the school's faculty and student body, and will address questions from all sides, including those from the community.
"At a time when our nation has difficulty discussing issues in a civil manner, I know that we in St. George can be better; a shining example of how to take a contentious issue and logically and reasonably work through it,” moderator Vince Brown, director of the institute, said. “The Institute has hosted many events on very difficult subjects, but found common ground. We focus on evidence and reason to help open minds, educate the community and get people to listen to one another. This is a fantastic and distinguished panel. I am excited to moderate the event."
