Ole Miss considers changing name of journalism school after namesake's social media post

The entrance to the University of Mississippi.

The entrance to the University of Mississippi.

The University of Mississippi is considering changing the name of its School of Journalism after receiving major backlash stemming from a controversial post made on Facebook by the school's namesake.

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Ed Meek is a well-known and respected alumnus of Ole Miss, as well as a significant booster for the journalism program, WHBQ reported.

The journalism school is named after Meek.

However, after a post he made on Facebook last Saturday night, school officials are going through the process to consider changing the name.

Ole Miss Chancellor Jeffrey Vitter said the post had "racial overtones," according to the school newspaper, WHBQ reported.

Meek has since deleted the Facebook post and subsequent apology, but screengrabs were captured by media outlets.

Vitter sent students and faculty a letter Friday following meetings school officials had with students to voice their concerns and opinions Thursday night.

The school issued a statement Friday regarding the name change proposal.