A Florida school board voted to change the names of several schools in its district that honored leaders in the Confederacy.
Duval County School Board in Jacksonville, Florida, voted on Tuesday to change the names of six schools, with each receiving a 5-2 vote in favor of the change. The board also voted to keep the names of three others, including one named after President Andrew Jackson.
“At this point in time, it’s important to start thinking about who we want to be,” board Chairwoman Elizabeth Andersen told First Coast News. “As a board, we were listening to our community members and wanting to move forward so that every student that walks in our building understands that they are respected, that they are capable of achieving their highest potential, and that all of their lives matter.”
REMAINS OF CONFEDERATE GENERAL AND HIS WIFE TO BE REMOVED FROM TENNESSEE PARK
Joseph Finegan Elementary will become Anchor Academy, Stonewall Jackson Elementary will become Hidden Oaks Elementary School, Jefferson Davis Middle will become Charger Academy, Kirby-Smith Middle will become Springfield Middle School, J.E.B. Stuart Middle will become Westside Middle School, and Robert E. Lee High will become Riverside High School, according to the Associated Press.
A total of 12 schools bear the names of Confederate figures in Florida, Anderson said. Tuesday’s decision changes half of them.
No tax dollars will be used to fund the renaming process, Superintendent Diana Greene told First Coast News . The Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to pay for all the school’s home uniforms to be changed, which will cost $200,000. The Jacksonville Public Education Fund has also encouraged members of the public to contribute to the initiative. Memorabilia and marquees listing the old names will reportedly be saved.
It is unclear when the changes will fully go into effect.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The Washington Examiner contacted Duval County Public Schools but did not immediately receive a response.
