I would still go to Rice. I matriculated in 2005 though, so I knew what I was getting into sports-wise. Had a blast during my 4 years, met most of my lifelong friends there, awesome classes, etc.
I don't think it's the name, I think it's the statue since that's what was mentioned in the letter.
It looks like there is demand for adding languages since it is included in the letter. The CLIC offers courses in 10 languages at the moment. Why not throw in a few Swahili or Hausa offerings? I don't think they're asking for a full-blown major or even a minor -- just some course offerings.
Here's a link to Georgetown's Black House, which has been around for quite some time:
https://cmea.georgetown.edu/blackhouse/
To make a tortured analogy, I think it's just a place on campus where black students have "home field advantage." I doubt there are actual restrictions on who can enter.
I doubt all or even most of these changes will come to pass, but students will always have opinions how to to improve the school and as an alum I find that comforting in a way. Folks are pushing boundaries and bringing up ideas that have been bubbling at least since I was on campus 15 years ago, and probably long before that.
edit: typo