Louisiana State University announced plans Monday to change several street names on campus, including giving a new name to a street named after a Confederate officer.
The university announced 28 new changes to campus streets as part of LSU’s “comprehensive and strategic master plan.” LSU will be adding physical addresses to campus buildings as part of the modernization plan.
One of the changes is renaming Raphael Semmes Road to Veterans Drive. The road passes in front of LSU’s Student Union and along the library and parade grounds.
According to the Advocate, Semmes was born in Maryland and commanded the CSS Alabama which raided U.S. commerce ships during the Civil War. He later taught at the university for three years before moving.
“During the review process, research was conducted on those who have campus roadways named for them and their contribution to the university,” a statement from LSU said. “The majority had little to no significant connection to LSU and were named without a formal process.”
The university says it scheduled the changing of street signs for after the LSU football season.
Here is the full list of road changes at LSU:
Original Name | Proposed Name |
AgCenter Drive | AgCenter Lane |
Unnamed | Athletic Service Lane |
Unnamed | Campus Lake Lane |
Isaac Cline Drive | Cubs Circle |
Ceba Lane | Engineering Lane |
Unnamed | Evangeline Circle |
Etienne de Bore | Field House Drive |
West/East Fraternity Lane | Fraternity Lane |
Infirmary Road | Infirmary Lane |
Unnamed | LADDL Lane |
Unnamed | Landscape Services Lane |
Unnamed | Law Circle |
Unnamed | Live Oaks Lane |
Unnamed | Parade Ground Circle |
Unnamed | Parker Coliseum Lane |
Dorothy Dix Drive | Parking Lot |
Mike Donahue Drive | Parking Lot |
Minnie Fisk Drive | Parking Lot |
Unnamed | Soccer Lane |
Nicholson Drive Extension | South Quad Drive |
Governor Claiborne Drive | Spruce Lane |
Unnamed | Tiger Park Lane |
Unnamed | Touchdown Village Lane |
Unnamed | Vet School Lane |
Unnamed | Vet Lane |
Raphael Semmes Road | Veterans Drive |
Unnamed | Warehouse Lane |
Unnamed (South of South Stadium Drive) | West Stadium Drive |