The Shenandoah County School Board in Virginia has decided to restore the original Confederate names of two schools that were changed in 2020 after the death of George Floyd sparked a national conversation about Confederate symbols. Stonewall Jackson High School and Ashby Lee Elementary School were renamed Mountain View High School and Honey Run Elementary School, respectively, but have now been reverted to their original names named after Confederate generals. This decision follows a public hearing in which the board considered a proposal by The Coalition for Better Schools to restore the names, citing the community’s desire to honor their heritage.
Critics of the original name changes in 2020 claim that the school board acted without input from the community and made the decision too quickly, without proper notice or community participation due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Brandi L. Rutz, a representative for District 5, believes the change was flawed and violated open meeting laws. Similarly, Gloria Markus from District 3 argues that the 2020 name change was a misguided move that did not reflect the history and heritage of the region. However, Kyle Gutshall, the only board member who voted against the restoration, believes that he made the right decision by listening to the wishes of his constituents and considering the arguments from both sides.
Shenandoah County is the first county in the nation to roll back changes made to institutions bearing Confederate names following the events of 2020. Claim the Names, an organization opposed to the restoration, expressed disappointment in the school board’s decision, arguing that it is more about vengeance and hatred than honoring heritage. They believe that the decision to honor civil war figures who were proponents of slavery and segregation is a step in the wrong direction. Despite their concerns, the board’s decision stands and the schools will bear their original Confederate names once again.
The Coalition for Better Schools, which advocated for the restoration of the original names, claimed that an overwhelming majority of residents wished to see the names reinstated. They argued that revisiting the decision was essential to honor the community’s heritage and respect the wishes of the majority. The debate surrounding this issue has provoked strong emotions on both sides, with supporters of the restoration highlighting the importance of honoring history and heritage, while opponents argue that the Confederate names are offensive and unwelcoming to students. The school board’s decision reflects a complex and ongoing conversation about the legacy of the Confederacy in American society.
Going forward, it is clear that the community in Shenandoah County remains divided on this issue, with differing opinions on how best to honor history while creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. The school board’s decision to restore the original Confederate names of Stonewall Jackson High School and Ashby Lee Elementary School has sparked debate and controversy, with some arguing that it is a step in the wrong direction, while others see it as a way to honor the region’s heritage. As the community grapples with these complex issues, it remains to be seen how the legacy of the Confederacy will continue to shape the educational landscape in Shenandoah County and beyond.
