At Robert E. Lee Elementary School, a community meeting became heated Friday night as about 100 people debated changing the school’s name.
The push started when citizens approaching Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez about their concerns that the school in Paradise Hills is named after a Confederate general. It also came on the heels of backlash against Confederate symbols after the mass shooting at a Charleston church in June.
“I’m not trying to defend Robert E. Lee,” said Gonzalez. “Good, bad, indifferent, but we also know he’s most known for being the general of the Confederate Army.”
As the meeting got started, many stood up in support of keeping the name.
“[Lee] was also a leader, not necessarily a leader in Confederacy,” said one person who opposed the name change. “He did 30 years in the Union army.”
No decision was made Friday; San Diego Unified School District officials were using the gathering to gain community input.
They explained the procedures needed if they decide to change the school’s name.
“Have an open mind,” said Kathleen Harmon, a Paradise Hills resident. “Realize 50 years ago, time has changed, and it’s time for change. We should include everybody.”
Friday’s was the first of two meetings on the issue. Another will be held on Dec. 2.
