In recent weeks, there has been talk about changing the name of iconic Rupp Arena in Kentucky.

A group of faculty members wrote a letter to President Eli Capilouto about proposing changes to ensure racial equality. One proposed change was to rename the home arena for the Wildcats from being named after the legendary coach, Adolph Rupp, which has been the case since 1976.

“The Adolph Rupp name has come to stand for racism and exclusion in UK athletics and alienates Black students, fans, and attendees,” the faculty wrote, according to Cats Pause. “The rebuilding of the arena and the convention center offer an opportunity to change the name to a far more inclusive one, such as Wildcat Arena.”

Calipari was aware of the comments and responded in a meeting with the local media.

“From what I understand (the African-American and Africana Studies program) were talking about a lot of different things,” Calipari said via Zoom on Wednesday. “This is another chance for us to listen and learn. Some people agree, some people are not going to agree. I would tell you for me personally, knowing the (Rupp) family, knowing Herky (Adolph Rupp’s son) like I did, what’s out there that tells me it’s something different? I’m all ears. I’m going to listen.”

The Courier-Journal last month published comments from Rupp made in a 1971 interview.

“We had a very, very difficult time in doing so, because as you can see a conference that had not allowed Negroes or Blacks to participate up until this time, no one wanted to be the first to break with that tradition,” Rupp said. “I never felt at all that Negroes should be barred.”