OUR VIEW: Historical markers enhance the student experience by reminding students of the school’s history while encouraging students to stand up for their beliefs.

Last week, university administrators unveiled a bench dedicated to the first African American students to register in classes. Last year, they unveiled a historical marker for the plaintiffs that fought for the school’s integration.

Through these actions, administrators have allowed students to learn about the actions and people that have led the school culture to be where it is today.

Having historical markers on campus teaches students about the school’s unique and interesting history. Students who attended the bench dedication ceremony were not aware that our campus was the first public university in Texas to become integrated. By allowing students to tangibly see the history of this school in physical forms, results will lead to a more educated student populace.

These reminders of the successes gained from the adversities of those who came before also serve as an inspiration to those wanting to enact change on campus. They serve as reminders that through adversity and hard work, students can actively change the school’s climate. Markers are reminders to students to never give up and to have high standards set for their campus.

We applaud administrators such as Suzanne Shipley, university president, and Syreeta Greene, director of the office of equity, inclusion and multicultural affairs, for their efforts to have historical markers on campus. Their efforts serve to educate students on the school’s rich culture and to inspire students.