WASHINGTON (AP) George Washington University is dropping its "Colonials" moniker because "it can no longer serve its purpose as a name that unifies," the school announced Wednesday.

GW will keep using "Colonials" until a new name is introduced. That is expected by the 2023-24 academic year.

"A moniker must unify our community, draw people together and serve as a source of pride," said Grace Speights, chair of the university's Board of Trustees. "We look forward to the next steps in an inclusive process to identify a moniker that fulfills this aspiration."