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Tuned in to Hanover School Board's virtual meeting (watch here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82306560285 ), and they've just moved into public comment period. They are reading out residents' comments, of which there are 33. First 3 comments urge Board to change racist school names. #ChangeTheNames
"It is time to end confederate veneration," one comment reads. Most comments so far call on school board to rename Lee Davis High School and Stonewall Jackson Middle School.
Next comment is joint statement from a group of 7 former school board members; they say emphatically that school names need to be changed.
Next comment is from a parent who is concerned about Hanover's plans for public school this fall, urges board to send children back to school, citing (incorrectly) that COVID-19 doesn't impact children.
Next commenter says she's been learning more about the Lost Cause, and understand why some in Hanover cling to what they were taught in school, that the Civil War barely had anything to do with slavery. Urges these folks to educate themselves and review their values.
Another parent comment now, from the mom of a Patrick Henry High schooler who lives in Beaverdam. Pleads with board to keep schools closed in the fall for the safety of all students.
Next comment is from the parent of "a mixed race child" in Mechanicsville. Says they feel uncomfortable sending their child to schools that are unwelcoming to anyone non-white.
Next comment from an Atlee High School teacher, who says it's unwise to open schools in the fall due to risk of COVID-19, and to put teachers and students in danger.
A comment from a mother-daughter duo is in support of not changing school names. They've never heard anyone say Black students "traumatized" by names. (???) Says the cost of changing names, mascots, uniforms, etc. would be better spent on books, improving school system, etc.
Another comment cites a 1950s article in Herald Progress newspaper (RIP), that made the county leader's past intent clear: keep schools segregated at all costs.
Next comment, frm a Henrico teacher, asks board to consider negative impact keeping racist school names have on county's business sector, education system. Says they chose to teach in Henrico vs Hanover bc of school names. Cites this @RTDMPW column: https://www.richmond.com/news/local/central-virginia/williams-hanover-is-dealing-with-another-instance-of-hate-it-must-address-racism-head-on/article_9e8f6c82-fff5-5d50-8789-de3b381cfd96.html
Diaper explosion by this guy, BRB.
