Major alterations will be made to Rice University’s Academic Quadrangle as the Founder’s Memorial statue of William Marsh Rice is to be moved to a new part of the quad.

The statue's current place is to be occupied by a memorial commemorating the university’s decision to desegregate in 1962, according to a Jan. 25 press release from Rice. Other monuments representing Rice milestones will be added to the display over time, according to the release.

In addressing the move, Rice officials cited the history of its founder, who owned enslaved people.

“We intend for the Academic Quadrangle to both fully acknowledge the history of our founding and founder, and to mark and celebrate the important evolution and growth of our university over time,” said Rob Ladd, Rice’s chairman of the board of trustees.

Rice’s Task Force on Slavery, Segregation and Racial Injustice was credited for leading the board during the decision-making process, according to the Rice press release.