This early version of the Minnesota Student Association (MSA) petition from December of 2017 called on the University of Minnesota to rename Coffman Union.  It referenced a “campus climate” study undertaken the previous year that demonstrated pervasive racism and antisemitism on the campus, and noted that the University was committed to a welcoming environment for all students. In that context, the petition called on the University to remove President Coffman’s name, but to maintain an exhibit about him in the student union. The petition also recommended the creation of a committee of students and faculty and others to select a new name. The petition was initiated by students from student government and institutional sponsors included the College of Liberal Arts Student Board, Minnesota Hillel and Alpha Epislon Pi fraternity. Other sponsors were sought. During the spring semester of 2018 a petition passed the MSA and led to President Kaler convening a task force to recommend continuing use of several building names.