Robert E. Lee High School In Springfield To Be Renamed

SPRINGFIELD, VA — The Fairfax County School Board voted Tuesday to change the name of Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield. Once a new name is chosen, it will take effect in the 2020-2021 school year.

As the school board held their vote, Superintendent Scott Brabrand presented several name recommendations for the school. These include John Lewis (representing Georgia's 5th congressional district), Barack Obama, Mildred Loving, Cesar Chavez, Legacy, and Central Springfield. The school board has the final say on the new name and could choose another name not recommended by the superintendent.

A one-month public comment period is starting before a July 22 school board hearing and final action on July 23. Feedback can be submitted to Region3admin@fcps.edu. Details about a July 15 community meeting will be announced.

The school board voted to move forward with the renaming process in February. A March 11 community meeting drew mixed reactions on renaming Lee High School. The process resumed in June after a delay from the pandemic.

"As I stated in February when this process began, Confederate values are ones that do not align with our community," said Lee District school board representative Tamara Derenak Kaufax in a statement. "I have seen the pain and hurt that these names have inflicted on friends, colleagues, and community members. Our schools need to be places where all students, staff, and members of the community feel safe and supported."

The school board had revised the school renaming policy in October 2019. The policy states the school board "may consider a change in the name of an existing school or facility to ensure an inclusive, respectful learning environment as outlined in our adopted One Fairfax Policy or when the Board deems it appropriate." According to Lee High School's school profile, about 43 percent of students are Hispanic, 25 percent are Asian, 16 percent are white and 12 percent are black.

Discussions about renaming the high school emerged after Fairfax County Public Schools renamed J.E.B. Stuart High School to Justice High School in the 2018-2019 school year. Lee High School opened in 1958, but it was renamed for Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee in 1964 amid the civil rights movement.

Another school renaming process will start after the Lee High School renaming concludes. Karl Frisch, the school board representative for the Providence District, and at-large representative Karen Keys-Gamarra requested starting the process for Mosby Woods Elementary School in Fairfax. The school is named for Confederate Col. John S. Mosby.

Fairfax High School also announced changing the team name from Rebel Pride to the Fairfax Lions. The original mascot, Johnny Reb, depicted a Confederate soldier and was removed in 1985. However, the mascot changed from Rebel Rouser to Rebel Pride. According to Principal Erin Lenart, the phrase "Rebel Pride" is a common tribute to the Confederacy.

SEE ALSO: Fairfax Begins Process To Rename Confederate Properties