Riddick: Lee principal suspends use of Dixie in its fight song

Riddick said Lee High School Principal Stan VanHoozer had conversations with his school’s band director and with the superintendent’s office about the best interest of the students (particularly the safety of the students when traveling not to incorporate “Dixie” notes into the fight song). less Riddick said Lee High School Principal Stan VanHoozer had conversations with his school’s band director and with the superintendent’s office about the best interest of the students (particularly the safety ... more Photo: Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram Buy photo Photo: Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Riddick: Lee principal suspends use of Dixie in its fight song 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

The Lee High School band will not incorporate “Dixie” into its school fight song,” Midland ISD Superintendent Orlando Riddick has confirmed.

Riddick said Lee High School Principal Stan VanHoozer had conversations with his school’s band director and with the superintendent’s office about the best interest of the students (particularly the safety of the students when traveling not to incorporate “Dixie” notes into the fight song).

Riddick said VanHoozer made the decision, and it is a decision he supports.

The announcement of the decision comes during a tumultuous time in the community and around the nation. Following the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, Confederate imagery has been under attack, including those statues of or institutions named after Confederate military men.

This week, a group of Midland ISD alumni created a petition calling for a name change at Lee High School.

VanHoozer told television station KOSA the following about the suspension of “Dixie”: “It came up partly because of those discussions because of what’s going on nationally and we also want our kids to be safe when they travel out of town and playing this in other areas so the decision at this time is to halt the playing of it for the time being.”

Lee had changed its fight song decades ago, the result of a settlement of a lawsuit regarding the name of the school. At the time, the school board terminated the use of the battle flag and offered instructions about the playing of “Dixie” as the school’s song.

Notes from “Dixie” stayed in the fight song played at football games and other school-sanctioned events.

School Board President Rick Davis said it was his understanding that this was decision made at the campus level and not initiated by Midland ISD’s new superintendent.

Riddick confirmed that, saying VanHoozer was exercising his options. He also said a new fight song will be created. Riddick said the goals of district leaders has been and will be on the academic performance taking place on campus.

Riddick also said he trusts VanHoozer -- who he said attended Lee, taught at Lee and is now the campus leader -- to make decisions that are best for the Lee faithful. Riddick said the perspective VanHoozer offers is someone who bleeds maroon and is invested in the school.