Virginia school board decides to reinstate Confederate names to two public schools

Virginia's school board opts to restore Confederate names to two public schools, stirring debate over the appropriateness of such actions in modern times. The decision reflects broader discussions about historical symbols and their implications within educational settings, sparking both support and criticism from various stakeholders.

Following the 2020 George Floyd protests, schools altered their names; however, they will now return to their previous names honoring leaders from states that supported slavery.

In Virginia, an all-white school board has voted to reinstate the names of Robert E. Lee and other Confederate military leaders to two public schools. This decision, made by the six-member school board in Shenandoah County on Friday morning, reflects a backlash against the racial reckoning spurred by the police killing of George Floyd. Only one member dissented from the resolution.

Following the vote, Mountain View High School will revert to its previous name, Stonewall Jackson High School, and Honey Run Elementary School will be renamed Ashby-Lee Elementary School. These names honor three individuals who played significant roles in the secessionist movement aimed at defending slavery.

The school board's reversal represents a notable instance of conservative groups nationwide pushing back against changes enacted after the 2020 protests following Floyd's murder. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which monitors public symbols, at least 160 Confederate symbols were removed that year, reflecting a broader trend of reevaluation and removal.

Shenandoah County resident and parent Sarah Kohrs expressed disappointment, stating, "With the world watching, the Shenandoah County School Board sent a terrible message." Kohrs condemned the board's decision to revert and honor Civil War figures who advocated for slavery and segregation, considering it a regression.

"This decision appears driven by vengeance, control, and hatred rather than a commitment to heritage or due process," remarked Sarah Kohrs. She emphasized the need for continued efforts to ensure a comprehensive understanding of history, including its darker aspects, for students and the public. Despite the setback, she asserts that the fight for justice persists.

The reinstatement of Confederate names in Shenandoah County followed a public debate at the school board, during which 80 individuals voiced their opinions, primarily expressing opposition to the restoration, as reported by NBC News.

Thirteen-year-old Alea Ogle was among those who spoke against the restoration of Confederate names. As a Black student, she expressed discomfort at the prospect of attending a school that honors figures who fought for her ancestors' enslavement. Alea emphasized her belief in equality and condemned the cruelty of slavery, stating that such recognition would contradict her family's values.

The school board faced pressure from a local conservative group, the Coalition for Better Schools, which advocated for the reinstatement of the old school names. The group highlighted the historical significance of Stonewall Jackson and described Lee and Ashby as prominent Virginians and local heroes, contributing to the push for the name change.

The Coalition for Better Schools asserted that 91.3% of local citizens surveyed favored reverting to the original school names, though they didn't disclose the poll's participation numbers. Emphasizing the importance of honoring heritage, they aimed to revisit the decision to align with the community's wishes.

However, despite their emphasis on heritage, it's noteworthy that both schools in question were established relatively recently. Stonewall Jackson High School was founded in 1960.

In 2022, the school board considered restoring the Confederate names but faced a lack of votes to move forward. Dennis Barlow, then vice-chair and now chair of the board, praised Jackson as a "gallant commander". During the debate, he criticized advocates for renaming the schools post-Floyd's death, describing them as "creepy", "elitist", and "from the dark side".

Source: the guardian