Beyond Symbolism: A Community’s Journey to Transform Robert E. Lee High School

This case study examines the decision of the Westland Consolidated District Board of Trustees to rename Robert E. Lee High School in 2017, following 2 years of contentious discourse and community engagement. School name changes in the United States have gained traction over the last decade as school and civic leaders grapple with controversial historical figures’ legacies, which have included racism, oppression, and discrimination. Using Critical Race Theory (CRT) to examine this case, school boards may consider key players, including student activists and board members. It also warrants looking at whether or not the Westland Consolidated Independent School District’s (WCISD) course of action achieved justice, as it opted for a compromise with the new school name “Legacy of Exceptional Education,” still preserving “L.E.E.” as an acronym for the campus. Analyzing this case’s financial implications and legal considerations could help other school boards pursue similar changes to create more inclusive environments. At the same time, a careful study of the community response on both sides contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersection between history, identity, and education.