Most often, Gladstone’s defenders will cite his political successes and the ubiquity of racism in the 19th century. Naming a building after Gladstone risks glorification as it doesn’t give due weight to his moral flaws. Our petition suggests the university building should be instead named after university alumni, or hold a plaque which provides greater context to the Gladstone name. Whatever happens next, we are proud of starting a rare conversation about the legacy of slavery in Britain. Tinaye Mapako is a student at the University of LiverpoolFollow Guardian Students on Twitter: @GdnStudents.

Source: The Guardian November 24, 2017 15:45 UTC