Virginia county school boards voted this week to reinstate the Confederate names of two schools previously deemed offensive.
In response to the death of George Floyd in 2020, the Shenandoah County Board of Education has voted to rename two schools in its jurisdiction after Confederate generals.
Stonewall Jackson High School was named after General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson and became Mountain View High School. Ashby Lee Elementary School is named after the first generation. Turner Ashby and Robert E. Lee became Honey Run Elementary School.
On Thursday, the school board held a public hearing to consider the idea of reverting both schools to their original names. Ultimately, the board voted to restore the original name, which was derived from a Confederate general.
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Demonstrators supporting the renaming of schools in Shenandoah County, Virginia, to the Confederate States of America wear shirts honoring General Stonewall Jackson. (WHSV3)
The motion to restore the school’s original name was driven by an organization called the Coalition for Better Schools. In a letter to the school board, the group argued that an overwhelming majority of residents want the name reinstated.
“We understand that the decision to rename these schools was made in response to the controversy surrounding Confederate symbols,” the letter said. “However, we believe it is essential to reconsider this decision in order to respect the traditions of our community and respect the wishes of the majority.”
Residents debated the 2020 decision at a public hearing, and local reports said there were large numbers of participants supporting both sides.
Critics of the name change say the 2020 school board acted without input from the community, while those in favor of keeping the non-Confederate name argue that the old name argued that it was offensive and unwelcome to many students.
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District 5 Representative Brandi L. Lutz told Fox News Digital that she believes the change, made in just six days without proper notice, was “flawed.”
Community participation was also limited due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic at the time.
“The agenda was posted at 3:30 pm on Friday and Monday was a holiday.Due to the coronavirus emergency, only work related to maintaining school operations is allowed to be carried out, and will be voted on by electronic meeting the following Thursday. “was conducted and violated VAFOIA’s “Open Meetings Act,” she told FOX News Digital. “SCPS closed in March 2020 and did not reopen until October of that year.”
“Renaming the building was not an emergency. The FOIA request reveals that the board at the time feared a backlash. If they had allowed their voices to be heard, they would likely reconsider. It may not have been necessary,” she said. she continued. “Democracy must be protected for all Americans. Transparency and representative government are essential.”
Gloria Marx, who represents District 3, told FOX News Digital that she believes the 2020 renaming of the district was a misguided move divorced from the region’s history.
“It’s worth noting that the original change was made in response to the George Floyd riots in Minnesota and then-Governor Ralph Northam’s request to rename schools with Confederate-related names. ” Marcus told FOX News Digital.
She continued, “There have been no instances of racism here or any events locally that have caused the need for change. Our region of the Shenandoah Valley is deeply steeped in American history, especially the history of the Civil War.” Race is never a motivating factor in what we do.” Protecting the name is about our national history and traditions. ”
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Demonstrators opposing the reinstatement of Confederate names at Shenandoah schools held placards calling on the school board to reject the motion. (WHSV3)
Kyle Gutshall was the only board member to vote against Restoration, saying he respects both sides but has an obligation to follow the will of the voters.
“My decision was based on the wishes of the voters of Woodstock (District 4). It was imperative that we gather broad input from the community on this important issue. , because it would be a disservice to the residents I represent,” Gutshall told Fox News Digital.
He continued: “Intense discussions on both sides of this debate have been going on since 2020, and each side offers persuasive arguments. After carefully considering many factors, I believe I have made the right decision. “We believe we have made the decision and hope our school system can move forward.”
Shenandoah is the first county in the nation to reverse changes made to institutions bearing Confederate names in response to the 2020 death of George Floyd.
