LA GRANDE — Eastern Oregon University’s board of trustees unanimously agreed to remove the name Pierce from the university’s library.

Board members decided the library’s namesakes, former Oregon Gov. Walter Pierce and his wife, Cornelia, do not represent the mission and diversity within the university.

A report from a library naming committee found Pierce had known connections to the Ku Klux Klan and supported racist and discriminatory policies. While he and his wife helped the advancement of Eastern Oregon’s recognition across the state, the report indicated, their beliefs are not indicative of what Eastern Oregon University strives to be for students.

The decision came Nov. 12, during the board’s virtual meeting. University President Tom Inkso said a new name is under consideration, and there are plans for a display acknowledging the history of the library’s name.