FARGO (KFGO) – The name of a greenway project associated with the F-M Diversion is being changed because its namesake was a “proponent of scientific racism.”
According to the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Governments, Louis Agassiz “wrote prolifically on issues of white supremacy in the 1800’s.” The Agassiz Greenway had been named in honor of Agassiz, a prominent 19th century geologist and glaciologist.
Soon after a public meeting and the release of draft materials in mid-June, Metro COG and several project partners began receiving comments regarding the name of the greenway. “Unbeknownst to anyone on our project team, Louis Agassiz was a proponent of scientific racism and wrote prolifically on issues of white supremacy in the 1800’s” Metro COG said.
Prehistoric Lake Agassiz and a number of regional organizations and businesses are also named after Louis Agassiz.
The greenway is designed to host a variety of seasonal recreational trails and native habitats. Metro COG says a temporary name for the greenway is being developed.
Comments