Mitchell Naming Review Task Force
Purpose
The University of Maine is establishing a Mitchell Naming Review Task Force to conduct a structured and deliberative review of institutional recognitions associated with former Senator George J. Mitchell, including: the Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions; the George J. Mitchell Peace Scholarship; and any gift funds controlled by the University of Maine that bear Senator George Mitchell’s name. Other spaces, programs, or recognitions across the University of Maine System (UMS) that use the Mitchell name may also be considered.
Recent public reporting about former Senator Mitchell and his decision to step down from leadership roles external to the university has prompted questions within our community regarding institutional naming. While these developments are external to UMS, they create an appropriate moment to review how institutional recognitions function within our current environment. This review is undertaken in accordance with UMS Board of Trustees policies governing commemorative naming, including Policy Section 315 (Commemorative Naming and Renaming of Academic Units and Programs) and Policy Section 803 (Naming and Renaming of Physical Facilities).
Charge
The Task Force shall:
- Develop criteria to guide institutional decisions regarding commemorative naming alignment, either using current Board of Trustees policies or proposing changes to them;
- Review historical context and intent of Mitchell-associated namings at the University of Maine, and elsewhere in the University of Maine System as appropriate.
- Apply developed criteria to assess alignment of commemorative naming with institutional mission;
- Identify a range of potential options, including retention, contextualization, modification, or renaming;
- Produce a written report for the executive sponsors outlining analysis and recommendations. This will be available as a public record upon completion.
The work of the Task Force may involve consultation with experts internal and external to UMS, including UMS General Counsel Amon Purinton; UMS Chief External and Government Affairs Officer Sam Warren; UMS Vice Chancellor for Finance and Strategic AI Integration Ryan Low; Chief Human Resources Officer Amie Parker; University College Cork scholarship office; and others.
Governance
The University of Maine is establishing a Mitchell Naming Review Task Force to conduct a structured and deliberative review of institutional recognitions associated with former Senator George J. Mitchell, including: the Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions; the George J. Mitchell Peace Scholarship; and any gift funds controlled by the University of Maine that bear Senator George Mitchell’s name. Other spaces, programs, or recognitions across the University of Maine System (UMS) that use the Mitchell name may also be considered.
Recent public reporting about former Senator Mitchell and his decision to step down from leadership roles external to the university has prompted questions within our community regarding institutional naming. While these developments are external to UMS, they create an appropriate moment to review how institutional recognitions function within our current environment. This review is undertaken in accordance with UMS Board of Trustees policies governing commemorative naming, including Policy Section 315 (Commemorative Naming and Renaming of Academic Units and Programs) and Policy Section 803 (Naming and Renaming of Physical Facilities).
Timeline
The Task Force is expected to complete its report and recommendations to the Executive Sponsors work within approximately one month, with periodic updates provided to institutional leadership.
Membership
Daniel Sandweiss, Task Force Chair
Leigh Saufley, President and Dean of the University of Maine Law School
Sarah McPartland-Good, University of Maine Foundation
Brian McGill, UMaine Faculty
Liam Riordan, UMaine Faculty
Michelle Simpson, UMaine Staff
Ruth Griffith, UMaine Student Representative
Kelly Straub, Administrative Support
