Our Business School will no longer be known as the Sir John Cass Business School. The decision was taken by City’s Council on Friday 3rd July, following a broad consultation about the fact that some of Sir John Cass’ wealth was obtained through his links to the slave trade.
Published Wednesday, 15th July, 2020 in University news
On 9th June 2020, several media outlets reported the historic link of Sir John Cass to the slave trade. City, University of London’s Business School was renamed the Sir John Cass Business School only 18 years ago (in 2002) following a donation from the Sir John Cass Foundation, an educational charity which provides financial support to several organisations.
On 10th June, City, University of London initiated a review of all its historic sources of funding to determine if there are any other links with slavery; and to make recommendations. The review is chaired by a member of City’s Council with a representative panel, including external expertise; and will report in August.
However, it was recognised that a decision on the name of the Business School could not be delayed until the conclusion of the more wide-ranging review. Unlike other institutions with links to Sir John Cass which, in some cases, immediately announced a name change, City has a contract with the Foundation which includes use of the Cass name. On 17th June, the Sir John Cass Foundation announced that they themselves would stop using the Cass name. Following discussions, a recommendation was submitted to City’s Council. A meeting of the Council on Friday 3rd July agreed that the Business School would no longer carry the Cass name.
The School will use a transition logo over the summer while consultations about a new name are set in motion and planning for a rebrand takes place. The full announcement is available to read on City’s website
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