News Summary
In a recent survey, most York County residents indicated opposition to renaming Magruder Elementary School, linked to Confederate General John Bankhead Magruder. The survey aimed to address concerns over historical associations with slavery but revealed a split in public opinion on the issue. While some advocate for renaming to avoid honoring slaveholders, many fear it could erase historical lessons. The school board is set to review the findings before making a final decision amidst ongoing community discussions.
York County Residents Oppose Renaming Magruder Elementary School
A survey conducted by the York County School Division in July revealed that a majority of respondents oppose the renaming of Magruder Elementary School, connected to Confederate General John Bankhead Magruder. The survey, which included over 2,100 responses, aims to address community concerns about the school’s ties to slavery and historical figures linked to it.
The push to rename the school began with a grassroots initiative concerned with General Magruder’s legacy, including his role in ordering the 1861 burning of Hampton and his involvement in the killing and capturing of runaway slaves during the Civil War. Despite suggestions that the school might have been named after a former Black community called Magruder, the historical connections point back to the general.
Survey Results and Community Sentiment
The survey results were presented at a York County school board work session, attended by board members. Of the responses received, 1,700 came from individuals connected to the schools, 327 from county residents, and approximately 80 from nonresidents via an online survey. Among the school-connected respondents, 33% supported the renaming, while 57% opposed it. In contrast, public responses showed 47% in favor of renaming and 51% against the change.
When breaking down the responses from York County residents specifically, 40% were in favor of renaming Magruder Elementary, while 58% opposed the idea. Comments in support of the renaming focused on the importance of not honoring individuals with histories as slaveholders. Conversely, opponents expressed concerns about the implications of “erasing history,” arguing that renaming schools would obscure past events and hinder learning.
Implications of Renaming
Renaming the school carries estimated costs of approximately $64,570, which would cover new signage, instructional materials, and staff uniforms. School board Chair Kimberly S. Goodwin indicated that the board would take “a couple of weeks” to review the survey results before making a final decision. This survey comes after several months of ongoing discussions within the community about the school’s name.
Some community members contend that Magruder Elementary, lacking General Magruder’s first name, should not be interpreted as an honorific tribute. However, a historical research document prepared for the school board confirmed that the name traces back to General Magruder due to the area’s history as named during the Civil War. The school was previously known as Fort Magruder School and first opened its doors in 1920.
Context on Naming Discussions
This debate is not isolated, as seen in Hampton City, which previously transitioned its Magruder Boulevard to Neil Armstrong Parkway, reflecting a broader reevaluation of place names. At a recent board meeting, member Lynda Fairman raised the question of whether the renaming of Magruder would prompt reviews of other schools named after geographical locations linked to individual names.
In light of the survey results, the York County School Division is actively seeking further public input, encouraging residents to share their thoughts by July 18. The grassroots activist group known as the Campaign for Honorable and Inclusive School Names has led similar initiatives in other school districts, highlighting a growing movement towards examining the implications of historical naming conventions.
As the York County School Board prepares to make its decision, the community remains engaged in discussions about the significance of names and their historical connections, emphasizing the need for thoughtful consideration of the past and its impact on the future.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Daily Press: Survey Results Show Opposition to Magruder Elementary Renaming
- 13 News Now: York County School Board Discusses Name Change of Magruder Elementary
- Pilot Online: York County School Division Wants Feedback for Magruder Elementary Renaming
- Wikipedia: Confederate States of America
- Google Search: Magruder Elementary renaming
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
