Staff Reports
A movement in a Virginia county is gaining attention as supporters push to restore the names of Confederate military leaders to schools. The Shenandoah County School Board is expected to vote on this matter, which has sparked controversy, especially from minority groups.
Previously known as Stonewall Jackson High School and Ashby-Lee Elementary School, the schools were renamed Mountain View High School and Honey Run Elementary School in 2020 amid a resolution denouncing racism and promoting inclusivity. This decision came after the killing of George Floyd and subsequent protests led by the Black Lives Matter movement.
HALLELUJAH!!!
Restoring History: Movement to return Confederate-linked names to schools garners traction https://t.co/NvGA3pYy1K via @JustTheNews
— Ric Reed (@RicVaDude) May 8, 2024
However, some residents, like Mike Scheibe of the Coalition for Better Schools, feel that the renaming process lacked public input and transparency. Scheibe believes that the renaming was rushed and flawed, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue over symbolic gestures like name changes.
A recent survey conducted by Scheibe’s organization revealed that a majority of respondents supported reverting the schools back to their original Confederate-linked names. Despite opposition from groups like the Virginia NAACP and the Council on American-Islamic Relations, supporters of the name restoration movement remain steadfast in their efforts.
With potential legal implications due to recent court rulings limiting virtual decision-making by school boards, the outcome of the upcoming vote remains uncertain. Scheibe, confident in the proposal’s success, encourages opponents to pursue formal processes if they wish to challenge the school names in the future.
It is important to honor historical figures, even those with controversial pasts, in a balanced and respectful manner. Efforts to erase or revise history through name changes should be approached thoughtfully and with consideration for all viewpoints, rather than succumbing to the pressures of current societal movements.
