Parents Push for Name Change at Robert E. Lee High School

TYLER — The White Nationalist rally in Charlottesville has sparked renewed attention to Confederate monuments and memorials across the country. KETK reports, some Tyler ISD parents are wanting to change the name of Robert E. Lee High School. DG Montalvo, who is behind the movement wanting change, said there is a lot of racial tension still in the city of Tyler. He has two children who went to the school and said this is the right thing to do. Another parent who would like to see the name changed said Robert E. Lee himself was not a fan of statues honoring Civil War Generals. An online petition to keep the name of the school showed close to 7,500 signatures.

Supporters for a name change are planning to raise the issue at a school board meeting on Monday at 7 p.m. at the Davis Conference Room at the Jim Plyler instructional Complex located at 807 W. Glenwood Blvd.

Tyler ISD released this statement: “The Tyler ISD administration and board of trustees continuously stay aware of national concerns and their impact locally,” Parnell said. “If an issue appropriately rises for board consideration, collaboration between the Tyler ISD board of trustees and various leaders throughout Tyler, Texas, will occur, with logistical assistance from Tyler ISD administration, while in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Tyler ISD policy and board operating practices.”

The mascot was changed from the Rebels to the Raiders in the 1970’s and all symbols of the Confederate flag were also removed.