Gov. Murphy gives up Woodrow Wilson desk, citing 'reckoning' on race

Gov. Phil Murphy says he has quit using former President Woodrow Wilson’s desk at his office in Trenton, citing a “reckoning" on race occurring nationwide.

News 12 Staff

Jun 29, 2020, 11:34 PM

Updated 1,403 days ago

Share:

Gov. Murphy gives up Woodrow Wilson desk, citing 'reckoning' on race
Gov. Phil Murphy says he has quit using former President Woodrow Wilson’s desk at his office in Trenton, citing a “reckoning" on race occurring nationwide.
Wilson served as New Jersey’s governor before becoming U.S. president. His legacy is increasingly under review after the May killing of George Floyd, a Black man who died as a white police officer held him down with his knee on Floyd’s neck. Floyd’s death spurred on worldwide protests against police violence toward racial minorities, particularly Black Americans.
Wilson supported segregation and imposed it on several federal agencies not racially divided up to that point.
There have been calls around the state to rename schools and other buildings that sport Wilson’s name. Princeton University recently dropped the name from its Wilson College and the School of Public and International Policy for the same reason.
Photos: Protests Across New Jersey
undefined
 
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.


More from News 12
1:42
3 pedestrians, including 2 children, struck by NYC-based news van in Elizabeth

3 pedestrians, including 2 children, struck by NYC-based news van in Elizabeth

2:17
Cooler temps today in the 60s for New Jersey ahead of some wet weather this weekend

Cooler temps today in the 60s for New Jersey ahead of some wet weather this weekend

1:31
Fire chief: 20 people displaced in Elizabeth fire that damaged multiple businesses, apartments

Fire chief: 20 people displaced in Elizabeth fire that damaged multiple businesses, apartments

0:41
Aftermath of deadly house explosion in South River shows home blown into pieces

Aftermath of deadly house explosion in South River shows home blown into pieces

0:28
GoFundMe started for 6-month-old boy and his grandfather killed by fallen tree in Verona

GoFundMe started for 6-month-old boy and his grandfather killed by fallen tree in Verona

0:40
Main Street New Jersey: Restaurants, businesses to visit in Edgewater

Main Street New Jersey: Restaurants, businesses to visit in Edgewater

WATCH LIVE: Bridge over section of I-95 is being demolished due to damage from truck fire

WATCH LIVE: Bridge over section of I-95 is being demolished due to damage from truck fire

1:12
Several house fires break out Thursday in New Jersey; 1 man dead

Several house fires break out Thursday in New Jersey; 1 man dead

0:18
South Brunswick police searching for missing man last seen on Route 1

South Brunswick police searching for missing man last seen on Route 1

0:23
South Orange woman indicted for stealing over $1 million federal benefits intended for dead aunt

South Orange woman indicted for stealing over $1 million federal benefits intended for dead aunt

2:10
Paws & Pals: Lilypad now up for adoption with AHS Newark

Paws & Pals: Lilypad now up for adoption with AHS Newark

0:38
Knicks advance to the Eastern Conference semis, topping 76ers 118-115 in Game 6

Knicks advance to the Eastern Conference semis, topping 76ers 118-115 in Game 6

0:33
Experts fear 'catastrophic' college declines thanks to botched FAFSA rollout

Experts fear 'catastrophic' college declines thanks to botched FAFSA rollout

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

1:26
Look up! Annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks early Sunday morning

Look up! Annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks early Sunday morning

1:20
Pro-Palestinian protest that postponed final exams at Rutgers ends peacefully

Pro-Palestinian protest that postponed final exams at Rutgers ends peacefully

0:36
Jersey Proud: Police officers gather for town cleanup in memory of fallen officer

Jersey Proud: Police officers gather for town cleanup in memory of fallen officer

2:17
Bound Brook starts Lithium Ion Identification Program to help firefighters identify risks

Bound Brook starts Lithium Ion Identification Program to help firefighters identify risks

0:57
Funeral services held in Newark for Rep. Donald Payne, Jr.

Funeral services held in Newark for Rep. Donald Payne, Jr.

0:22
Prosecutor: 61-year-old man dies in Jersey City high-rise fire

Prosecutor: 61-year-old man dies in Jersey City high-rise fire