Resolution Authorizing the Naming of Dr. May Edward Chinn Residence Hall

Stony Brook is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and academic freedom, and providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for our campus community. 

WHEREAS, naming a campus space for an individual or organization is an important decision because this high honor signifies a connection between the namesake and Stony Brook University. The name of certain features may need to be revisited when retaining the name is inconsistent with the University's mission and values; and 

WHEREAS, in Fall 2020, President Mcinnis announced the formation of a cross-stakeholder· committee to help develop principles that would guide processes for renaming any building, space, or structure on the SBU campuses (the "Committee"). The Committee, comprised of faculty, staff, and students, established processes and principles that will guide renaming requests; and 

WHEREAS, the Committee took a purposeful and introspective look at Stony Brook's distinct character, structure, and history and developed a process that is fair, evidence-based and provides a consistent way to evaluate historical namings and honors; and 

WHEREAS, in Spring 2022, the Stony Brook University Undergraduate Student Government submitted a formal request to rename the Margaret Sanger residence hall, part of the Tabler student housing community; and 

WHEREAS, the Committee reviewed, deliberated and voted unanimously to recommend renaming Sanger Hall. President Mcinnis accepted the recommendation and provided a community wide submission process to gather suggestions for a new name; and 

WHEREAS, Dr. May Edward Chinn was one of the names submitted for consideration; and 

WHEREAS, Dr. Chinn was the first African American woman to graduate from NYU's Grossman School of Medicine in 1926, formerly known as the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, and the first to intern at Harlem Hospital. Dr. Chinn dedicated her life to researching and developing techniques for the early detection of cancer, and treating underserved patients in Harlem. She became a trailblazer for African American women and other clinicians of color in medicine and inspired others to persevere despite societal obstacles. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE STONY BROOK COUNCIL, THAT: 

The Margaret Sanger Residence Hall will be known now and hereafter as the Dr. May Edward Chinn Residence Hall. 

The Stony Brook Council authorizes Chair Kevin S. Law to transmit this resolution to the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York.

October 3, 2022