Question
Writing Prompt: Do you think schools were originally named for individuals with ties to racism should be renamed? Why or why not? Cite 2 pieces of evidence from the article to support your response and explain both pieces of evidence.
Jersey (Achieve3000, October 19, 2020). Not long ago, a high school in Virginia changed its name. It had been J.E.B. Stuart High, named for a Confederate army officer. It became Justice High School. Those in favor of the change celebrated. They saw Stuart as a historic symbol of enslavement. Those opposed were angry. They viewed the change as an effort to erase part of the past.
The debate about renaming schools that honor individuals like Stuart brings out strong feelings. What one side sees as racism, the other views as important history. Recently, these arguments have taken on new energy because of nationwide protests against racial inequality.
What's in a Name?
There are close to 200 schools in the United States that honor Confederate leaders. Confederate President Jefferson Davis has his name on some schools. Others are named for Confederate Generals Stuart, Robert E. Lee, and Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, among others. These figures fought to keep Black people enslaved. The U.S. Army defeated them in the Civil War (1861–1865).
Exactly when these public schools opened adds to the controversy. Many were built in the 1950s for all-White student bodies. J.E.B. Stuart High School, for example, was built in 1959.
Why were communities honoring Confederate leaders almost 100 years after the Civil War? Many scholars say it was no accident. At the time, the civil rights movement was growing. One of its goals was the desegregation of schools to improve opportunities for Black students. Historians argue that naming schools for Confederate figures sent an unspoken message: Black children would never be welcome.
In 1964, the United States passed the Civil Rights Act. The new law made it illegal for schools to remain all-White. Some White families moved. Others sent their kids to private schools. Today, at least a dozen public Confederate-named schools that were once all-White mostly serve students of color.
Strong Feelings on Both Sides
For years, activists for racial justice have wanted these schools renamed. They point out that the people these schools honor once enslaved and abused Black people. To force students of color to attend them is unfair and harmful, they argue. Many Americans of all races want to replace what they see as symbols of racism. They want school names that represent freedom and equality. New names, they say, are a step toward healing a painful past.
Opponents say that replacing the names is wrong. Many consider it an attempt to erase history. They claim that the people honored were strong leaders. Their actions, good and bad, were the result of the times they lived in. They also argue that what's more important is that these schools do a good job of teaching.
Money Matters
For some school districts, money may also be a consideration. Changing a school's name can be very expensive. Justice High, for example, spent upwards of $400,000 to replace uniforms, signs, and other school equipment. Those funds might have been used for new computers, textbooks, and other needs.
Still, about 40 schools nationwide have changed their names in recent years. A number of other schools may soon follow their example. One point is clear: This debate is far from over.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Think about and discuss these questions:
How would you summarize the debate about the renaming of schools?
Do you agree or disagree with the argument that schools named for Confederate leaders should not be changed because it would erase history? Explain.
Jersey (Achieve3000, October 19, 2020). Not long ago, a high school in Virginia changed its name. It had been J.E.B. Stuart High, named for a Confederate army officer. It became Justice High School. Those in favor of the change celebrated. They saw Stuart as a historic symbol of enslavement. Those opposed were angry. They viewed the change as an effort to erase part of the past.
The debate about renaming schools that honor individuals like Stuart brings out strong feelings. What one side sees as racism, the other views as important history. Recently, these arguments have taken on new energy because of nationwide protests against racial inequality.
What's in a Name?
There are close to 200 schools in the United States that honor Confederate leaders. Confederate President Jefferson Davis has his name on some schools. Others are named for Confederate Generals Stuart, Robert E. Lee, and Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, among others. These figures fought to keep Black people enslaved. The U.S. Army defeated them in the Civil War (1861–1865).
Exactly when these public schools opened adds to the controversy. Many were built in the 1950s for all-White student bodies. J.E.B. Stuart High School, for example, was built in 1959.
Why were communities honoring Confederate leaders almost 100 years after the Civil War? Many scholars say it was no accident. At the time, the civil rights movement was growing. One of its goals was the desegregation of schools to improve opportunities for Black students. Historians argue that naming schools for Confederate figures sent an unspoken message: Black children would never be welcome.
In 1964, the United States passed the Civil Rights Act. The new law made it illegal for schools to remain all-White. Some White families moved. Others sent their kids to private schools. Today, at least a dozen public Confederate-named schools that were once all-White mostly serve students of color.
Strong Feelings on Both Sides
For years, activists for racial justice have wanted these schools renamed. They point out that the people these schools honor once enslaved and abused Black people. To force students of color to attend them is unfair and harmful, they argue. Many Americans of all races want to replace what they see as symbols of racism. They want school names that represent freedom and equality. New names, they say, are a step toward healing a painful past.
Opponents say that replacing the names is wrong. Many consider it an attempt to erase history. They claim that the people honored were strong leaders. Their actions, good and bad, were the result of the times they lived in. They also argue that what's more important is that these schools do a good job of teaching.
Money Matters
For some school districts, money may also be a consideration. Changing a school's name can be very expensive. Justice High, for example, spent upwards of $400,000 to replace uniforms, signs, and other school equipment. Those funds might have been used for new computers, textbooks, and other needs.
Still, about 40 schools nationwide have changed their names in recent years. A number of other schools may soon follow their example. One point is clear: This debate is far from over.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Think about and discuss these questions:
How would you summarize the debate about the renaming of schools?
Do you agree or disagree with the argument that schools named for Confederate leaders should not be changed because it would erase history? Explain.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The debate over whether schools named after individuals associated with racism, such as Confederate leaders, should be renamed is complex and multifaceted. I believe that such schools should be renamed, and there are two key pieces of evidence from the article that support this perspective.
Firstly, the article highlights that many of these schools were established during the 1950s as part of an effort to maintain all-White student bodies in the face of the burgeoning civil rights movement. Specifically, it states, “Many were built in the 1950s for all-White student bodies.” This information suggests that the original naming of these schools was not merely a reflection of historical figures but was also intertwined with a deliberate attempt to exclude Black students from equal educational opportunities. Renaming these schools can be viewed as a necessary step towards creating an inclusive environment that acknowledges and fosters diversity. It sends a strong message that educational institutions should reflect values of equality and acceptance rather than historical exclusion and segregation.
Secondly, the article notes that those advocating for name changes argue that honoring individuals who "once enslaved and abused Black people" is inherently unjust. The phrase “To force students of color to attend them is unfair and harmful” captures the sentiment of many individuals who feel that these names perpetuate a legacy of oppression. Allowing schools to carry the names of individuals who fought to uphold slavery can be painful and demoralizing for students of color, as it represents a historical context where they were denied rights and dignity. Renaming these schools to honor figures associated with freedom and equality would be an important step in acknowledging the struggles faced by marginalized communities and promoting a healthier, more inclusive educational environment.
In conclusion, the renaming of schools previously named after individuals tied to racism, such as Confederate leaders, is essential for fostering an inclusive and equitable educational environment. The historical context surrounding the establishment of these institutions and the implications of honoring figures associated with oppression make a compelling case for change.
Firstly, the article highlights that many of these schools were established during the 1950s as part of an effort to maintain all-White student bodies in the face of the burgeoning civil rights movement. Specifically, it states, “Many were built in the 1950s for all-White student bodies.” This information suggests that the original naming of these schools was not merely a reflection of historical figures but was also intertwined with a deliberate attempt to exclude Black students from equal educational opportunities. Renaming these schools can be viewed as a necessary step towards creating an inclusive environment that acknowledges and fosters diversity. It sends a strong message that educational institutions should reflect values of equality and acceptance rather than historical exclusion and segregation.
Secondly, the article notes that those advocating for name changes argue that honoring individuals who "once enslaved and abused Black people" is inherently unjust. The phrase “To force students of color to attend them is unfair and harmful” captures the sentiment of many individuals who feel that these names perpetuate a legacy of oppression. Allowing schools to carry the names of individuals who fought to uphold slavery can be painful and demoralizing for students of color, as it represents a historical context where they were denied rights and dignity. Renaming these schools to honor figures associated with freedom and equality would be an important step in acknowledging the struggles faced by marginalized communities and promoting a healthier, more inclusive educational environment.
In conclusion, the renaming of schools previously named after individuals tied to racism, such as Confederate leaders, is essential for fostering an inclusive and equitable educational environment. The historical context surrounding the establishment of these institutions and the implications of honoring figures associated with oppression make a compelling case for change.