A New Lincoln-Douglas Debate At Eastern Illinois University

A New Lincoln-Douglas Debate At Eastern Illinois University

Stephen A. Douglas, the "Little Giant" who served in the U.S. Senate and debated Abraham Lincoln, is still much-honored in some quarters. Douglas, Wyo., and Douglas County, Nev., are among a number of localities that boast of being named for the "noted statesman from Illinois." A 96-foot statue marks his grave, at a park in Chicago, with ceremonies held on his birthday and the anniversary of his death. And a residence hall is named for him at Eastern Illinois University -- at least for now.

Following much campus discussion, the Faculty Senate at Eastern Illinois last week adopted a resolution to change the name of the building, arguing that Douglas "bears a dishonorable record of public service and is hence undeserving of public acclaim and honor." The discussion is taking place in Charleston, Ill., the home of Eastern Illinois and also the site of one of the Lincoln-Douglas debates, which are suddenly being debated anew.

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