University of Houston professor David McNally proposed renaming his school to 'George Floyd University,' abolishing tuition and grades, and other 'de-stateification' measures at the Socialism 2025 conference. His proposals, which also include abolishing campus police and declaring a 'sanctuary campus,' are part of a broader vision for social insurgency. The University of Houston stated that McNally’s comments do not represent their views.
Socialist Texas professor calls for University of Houston to be renamed 'George Floyd University'
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️University of Houston professor David McNally proposed renaming his school to 'George Floyd University,' abolishing tuition and grades, and other 'de-stateification' measures at the Socialism 2025 conference. His proposals, which also include abolishing campus police and declaring a 'sanctuary campus,' are part of a broader vision for social insurgency. The University of Houston stated that McNally’s comments do not represent their views.
Trending- 1 May 2020: George Floyd's death
- 2 June 2020: George Floyd Black Lives Matter protests occur, including in Houston
- 3 2022: Project on Race and Capitalism, directed by McNally, is hosted by the University of Houston
- 4 2023: University of Houston closes its LGBTQ+ center after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signs Senate Bill 17
- 5 Saturday (before July 8, 2025): David McNally proposes renaming the University of Houston and other reforms at the Socialism 2025 conference
- University of Houston issued a statement clarifying McNally's comments do not represent the university's views
- Continuation of public discourse on university reform, social justice, and political activism
What: University of Houston professor David McNally proposed renaming the University of Houston to 'George Floyd University,' abolishing tuition and grades, abolishing campus police (replacing them with democratically constituted and elected safety committees), restoring the LGBTQ+ center, and declaring the school a 'sanctuary campus' from ICE officers. These ideas are part of his vision for 'de-stateification' and growing an 'insurgent mass movement.'
When: Saturday (before July 8, 2025) at the Socialism 2025 conference. George Floyd died in May 2020. The University of Houston closed its LGBTQ+ center in 2023.
Where: Chicago, Illinois (Socialism 2025 conference location); Houston, Texas (University of Houston location); Third Ward of Houston (George Floyd's upbringing).
Why: McNally's proposals aim to transform the public university into a resource for the broader community, honor George Floyd's connection to the Third Ward, and advance a 'social insurgency' inspired by past protests (George Floyd Black Lives Matter, anti-Israel campus protests). He seeks to challenge state control and promote radical institutional change.
How: McNally presented his ideas on a panel at the Socialism 2025 conference.