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Board OKs Name Change for School With Segregationist's Name
Source: Associated Press
Board OKs Name Change for School With Segregationist's Name
By STEVE SZKOTAK, ASSOCIATED PRESS
RICHMOND, Va. — Mar 10, 2016, 5:01 PM ET
A Virginia school division decided Thursday to remove a prominent segregationist's name from a school, saying students should not be educated in a building named after a man who sought to shutter schools rather than integrate them.
The Henrico County school board voted 5-0 to strip Harry F. Byrd's name from the suburban Richmond school following a petition drive and overwhelming public condemnation of the school's name. The decision was met with applause and hugs by proponents of the name change.
"I'm so proud and excited," said an elated Jordan Chapman, a 17-year-old senior who was among the leaders of the movement. "It definitely restores my faith in government."
The board said it would consider a new name for the school over the next 30 days. Many have recommended the names of Virginia civil rights leaders.
Byrd was a governor, U.S. senator and powerful political force in 20th century Virginia. He also helped lead efforts to keep the state's public schools separated by race after U.S. Supreme Court decision struck down racially segregated schools.
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By STEVE SZKOTAK, ASSOCIATED PRESS
RICHMOND, Va. — Mar 10, 2016, 5:01 PM ET
A Virginia school division decided Thursday to remove a prominent segregationist's name from a school, saying students should not be educated in a building named after a man who sought to shutter schools rather than integrate them.
The Henrico County school board voted 5-0 to strip Harry F. Byrd's name from the suburban Richmond school following a petition drive and overwhelming public condemnation of the school's name. The decision was met with applause and hugs by proponents of the name change.
"I'm so proud and excited," said an elated Jordan Chapman, a 17-year-old senior who was among the leaders of the movement. "It definitely restores my faith in government."
The board said it would consider a new name for the school over the next 30 days. Many have recommended the names of Virginia civil rights leaders.
Byrd was a governor, U.S. senator and powerful political force in 20th century Virginia. He also helped lead efforts to keep the state's public schools separated by race after U.S. Supreme Court decision struck down racially segregated schools.
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Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/board-oks-change-school-segregationists-37557219
1 replies
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My alma mater Yale is divided into twelve (soon to be fourteen! 
) residential colleges (please don't call them dorms ; they have additional amenities like libraries, theaters, etc.), one of which is named for slaveowner and secessionist John C. Calhoun. Debate is raging over whether to change it. The master (yes, there have been rumblings about that term as well ) of Calhoun College has removed several stained-glass windows depicting Calhoun's slaves.
