VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Wesleyan University recently announced that the school is changing its name to Batten University next year.

The move has sparked a strong backlash from alumni and members of the school community who feel a name change wipes away the University's history. On Friday, they protested outside of their alma mater, demanding that the legacy they know and love not be erased.

Dozens of VWU alumni rallied near the entrance of the university as a call to action. The demonstration comes nine days after Virginia Wesleyan University announced it will be renamed to Batten University in 2026. University administration said the name change reflects the transformative contributions Jane Batten has made to the school. She has actively donated since the 1970s.

But some sa

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