The Virginia NAACP has filed a federal lawsuit against a county school board for reinstating Confederate military names to two schools in Shenandoah County. The board voted to change Mountain View High School back to Stonewall Jackson High School and Honey Run Elementary to Ashby Lee Elementary, reversing a 2020 decision amid nationwide protests against racial injustice. The lawsuit states that less than 3% of the school system’s population is Black and includes five students and their parents as plaintiffs. The NAACP argues that forcing students to endorse Confederate names violates their First Amendment rights and the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.
The lawsuit highlights the impact on students, such as one incoming Black freshman who would be required to play sports as a member of the Stonewall Jackson “Generals” and wear a uniform symbolizing hatred and White supremacy. Failure to fully participate could potentially affect future opportunities, including playing college sports. The NAACP contends that the restoration of Confederate names violates students’ constitutional rights to express views with which they disagree. The Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Project notes that while the trend of removing Confederate names and memorials has continued, there hasn’t been another case of a school system restoring a name that was previously removed.
School board members who voted to restore the Confederate names cited community sentiment and criticized the previous board for ignoring constituents and due process in 2020. A major shift in the board’s makeup occurred during the 2023 elections, with one member expressing that the community should not bring racism and prejudice into the debate. Public comments at board meetings revealed varying perspectives on the issue, with some residents criticizing the restoration of Confederate names as a lack of respect for minority students and staff. Others argued that renaming the schools disrespected the area’s history.
The names of Stonewall Jackson and Ashby Lee honor Confederate leaders with ties to Virginia. Stonewall Jackson was a Confederate general known for his actions during the Civil War, while Ashby Lee honors Gen. Robert E. Lee and Turner Ashby, both Confederate figures who served in the war. Private donations were proposed to fund the name changes. Shenandoah County, a rural area with a politically conservative background, has supported the restoration of Confederate names despite broader national movements to remove such symbols. The resolution approved by the school board indicates that private donations will cover the costs of the name changes.
In conclusion, the lawsuit filed by the Virginia NAACP against the Shenandoah County school board highlights the ongoing debate over Confederate names and symbols in educational institutions. The legal challenge raises questions about the impact of honoring Confederate figures on students, especially those from minority backgrounds. The restoration of Confederate names continues to be a divisive issue, reflecting broader discussions around racial justice and historical representation in communities across the country. Despite differing viewpoints within the county, the lawsuit signals a broader conversation about the significance of Confederate symbols in public spaces and the importance of ensuring an inclusive and respectful educational environment for all students.
