Debate continues over Lee High name (VA)

[struggle4progress]

Posted: Friday, November 6, 2015 12:59 am
Rebecca Barnabi

STAUNTON - ... Before the integration of American public schools across the country began in the late 1950s, Lee High was attended by white students, and Booker T. Washington High School was attended by black students.

Wallenstein shared a story of VPI, now known as Virginia Tech, highlighting when the first black students entered in 1953. They were not allowed to live in the barracks. By 1966, black students were recruited to attend VPI. They could live on campus, and they went to football games.

“And, guess what? First thing happens out of the gate, “Dixie” <is played>, and everybody rises, and Confederate battle flags <are> everywhere,” Wallenstein said. “What did they think about that? How did they feel?” ...

Everyone knows that Staunton will need to replace the current Lee High in the next few years, as the building is old and struggling to support what classes need. In order to do that, the Staunton city council has to approve funding. The question also comes then as to what the new school would be named ...

http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/news/debate-continues-over-lee-high-name/article_98e15dda-844b-11e5-ba99-bb1bd33e9ac0.html

[Recursion]

1. Woodrow Wilson was from Staunton

Seems like a pretty easy pick.

[philosslayer]

2. Woodrow Wilson? One of the most racist presidents we've ever had?

I would hope not.