MONROE, La – School board members, teachers, students, and other people met Monday to discuss the new name for Lee Junior High School in Monroe.
This committee was formed following requests to rename Robert E. Lee Junior High, saying he was a slave owner and fought with the Confederacy. The requests include an online petition which garnered thousands of signees.
The school board held an online survey that had over 200 responses for new name suggestions.
“This name change is long overdue,” said Franz Hill who created an essay contest for students regarding the name change.
This was one of two committee meetings. The committee is comprised of school board members, students, and other community members.
While those in attendance agreed the name should be changed, many were divided on who or what it should be named after.
“I strongly agree that we shouldn’t name it after a person, because as I said earlier, it’ll cause countless complications down the line,” said former Lee Junior High student Charlie Collins.
Some said that it should be renamed to Neville Junior High School. Many said naming it after a person could create issues later depending on their legacy and reputation.
“It’s important to do it in a good way, in a gracious and a good way if we’re going to change the name,” said Dana Jefferson, who lives in Monroe.
The final name suggestions will be presented at the August 25 school board meeting.
