When the Austin, Texas school board voted to change the name of its “Robert E. Lee Elementary” school, they were looking for something a little more inclusive than the name of a Confederate general. But “Donald J. Trump Elementary,” the most popular recommendation, may be even more divisive and offensive.
According to KXAN-TV in Austin, “Donald J. Trump Elementary” received 45 nominations. Next most popular? Robert E. Lee, with 34. Also in the top ten was “Adolf Hitler School for Friendship and Tolerance” with 8 nominations.
This from the city that’s supposed to be a “liberal oasis” in Texas. Or is this just part of the Keep Austin Weird movement? Regardless, I suspect African Americans, Hispanics and anyone in solidarity with their perspectives are not amused.
The school board voted to change the name in response to the racially-motivated mass shooting of African Americans in a Charleston, South Carolina church last summer. That shooting prompted nationwide calls to remove Confederate symbols from public buildings, parks and retail stores. But now, the pendulum seems to be going in the other direction. That happens to coincide with the rise of Donald Trump’s candidacy.
As KXAN reports below, the Austin school district vote late last month was unanimous and received a standing ovation. However, the public was divided. Security has now been increased in the school.
If the road to you-know-where is truly paved with good intentions, this may prove the case. Some of the other nominations not exactly designed to promote racial harmony: “Adam Lanza’s School of Fun,” “Bleeding Heart Liberal Elementary,” and “Forgetting the Past Dooms You to Repeat It Elementary.”
Fortunately, the school board has the ultimate authority in deciding on a new name. We can hope their better angels will keep Trump’s name off.
Watch the March 28, 2016 report below on the decision to change the name below, from KXAN-TV.
http://kxan.com/2016/03/28/community-divided-over-changing-name-of-robert-e-lee-elementary/
