Citizens taking Lee High name debate to their front yards

Megan Williams | The News Leader

STAUNTON — Residents are taking the Robert E. Lee High School name debate to their front yards.

Blue and white "Save The Name" signs have been popping up in yards and businesses for a few weeks. And another group is answering back with red "But The Name Hurts" signs.

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Underneath the text that says "But The Name Hurts," the signs say "citizens for an inclusive Staunton High School.

Additionally the SAW Action group is raising money to help offset the cost that changing the name of the high school would incur. Signs, uniforms, etc. would need to be replaced, and the SAW Action group is hoping to help with the bill in lieu of creating signs.

Currently $3,420 has been raised toward the goal of $50,000.

The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities will host two listening events on Tuesday, July 10 to let anyone who wants to speak about diversity and inclusivity, including the name of the high school, be heard. The events are at noon and 6 p.m.

After the listening events the VCIC will compile a report for the school board, which the board will then use to make their decision on whether or not to change the name of Lee High back to Staunton High School.

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