News Summary
A survey by the York County School Division shows significant division among residents about renaming Magruder Elementary School, named after Confederate General John Bankhead Magruder. While some advocate for the change due to historical concerns, a sizable portion of the community opposes it, fearing a ‘cleansing’ of history. The school board plans to review feedback and will hold a public session for further community input on the matter.
York County, Virginia – A recent survey conducted by the York County School Division revealed significant opposition to the proposed renaming of Magruder Elementary School, which has been under scrutiny due to its historical connections to Confederate General John Bankhead Magruder. The survey, initiated by a grassroots campaign advocating for the name change, garnered over 2,100 responses, with 33% of the internal respondents supporting the renaming and 57% opposing it. Among the general public’s responses, 47% were in favor, while 51% opposed the change.
The push for renaming the school has been fueled by Magruder’s notorious actions during the Civil War, which included the burning of Hampton and involvement in the capture and killing of runaway slaves. The school’s name has been widely recognized as linked to General Magruder, although there are historical claims that it may also refer to a former Black community known as Magruder that was displaced during World War II for the establishment of Camp Peary.
The survey specifically indicated that, within the York County residents, 40% supported renaming the school, while 58% were against the idea. It was highlighted that costs associated with a name change could reach approximately $64,570, covering expenses for new signage, instructional materials, and staff uniforms. School board Chair Kimberly S. Goodwin noted that board members will be reviewing the survey results and will decide on the issue in the coming weeks.
Community feedback has been divided, with some members arguing about the need to honor historical figures versus the importance of addressing past injustices. Critics of the renaming effort view it as a potential “cleansing” of history, while advocates argue for the need to reflect contemporary values in school names. The discussion regarding the renaming of Magruder Elementary has been ongoing since at least the fall of the previous year, raising concerns about the potential implications for other schools that share similar geographic references.
To further engage the community, the school board has arranged another public comment session scheduled for May 19. The aim of this session is to gather more feedback regarding the proposed renaming. Additionally, the board is considering conducting further surveys to better gauge public sentiment on the matter.
Recent trends in local naming conventions reflect broader societal shifts. For instance, in Hampton, Virginia, Magruder Boulevard was recently renamed to Neil Armstrong Parkway. This has prompted discussions about whether a change at Magruder Elementary could set a precedent for reevaluating the names of other schools within the district.
In summary, as the York County School Division prepares to make a decision on the controversial renaming of Magruder Elementary School, the results of the recent survey indicate a divided community. The outcome may not only affect the future of this specific school but could also influence how other educational institutions in the area approach their historical ties and naming conventions.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Press: Survey Results Show Opposition to Magruder Elementary Renaming
- Google Search: Magruder Elementary renaming York County
- 13 News Now: York County School Board Discusses Name Change of Magruder Elementary
- Wikipedia: Confederate Memorial
- Pilot Online: York County School Division Wants Feedback for Magruder Elementary Renaming
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American Civil War
- WY Daily: Magruder Elementary School Name Change Still Under Consideration
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.
