Some of our neighborhood activists, most notably Clifford Walker, are advocating for a name change for Jefferson High School. Walker says that we should not be glorifying the name of Thomas Jefferson -- an ''avowed racist and slave owner'' and father of Sally Heming's children. Jefferson, it should also be noted, was principle author of the Declaration of Independance, 3rd President of the United States and chief architect of the Lewis & Clark Expedition.

The question of changing the name of Jefferson High School is the topic of discussion. What do YOU think...why or why not?

Change Is Good

I would be hesitant to enter a discussion that targets Thomas Jefferson a racist. I think this is an oversimplification. Many of his ideas could still be seen as progressive in our own day and age. He was, however, a creature of his own time and his actions should be tempered by this fact. He was not a saint and some of his actions do carry some baggage relevant to contemporary issues.
Secondly, I would not want to change the name if most people directly involved with the school did not want to change it. I am only a neighbor and would not like to step on the toes of people who actually work for the school or the students who go there.

That all being said I think it would be a great idea to change the name. I would suggest something much more contemporary and more closely connected to the lives and issues of the people who use the school. Someone who could evoke civic pride and duty. A person who provides a brave role model of inspiration for the folks who live in these challenging times. Some names that come to mind are Malcolm X, Frederick Douglas, Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandels, Stephen Biko. These are only the names that come immediately to mind. Maybe with a little research we could find the very person that would match the goals of this community. I think it would be ecouragin if that person had a strong sense of justice in a contemporary and international sense.

Thomas Jefferson is a great part of this country's heritage. This is not a matter for dispute. The question is, what symbol of humanity do we draw from to inspire the children of today to rise up to the challenges of their own unique problems.

Re-Name JHS?

First, any campaign to change JHS name should be based on a broad consensus of groups supportive of the school's mission. Second, condemnation of Thomas Jefferson should NOT be the reason for change. (How many schools, parks, etc., are named for the absolutely pure? Jesus High, Mother Theresa High, Mohammed High...uh oh !! What about the church-state thing?) Third, What WOULD we rename the school? We could name it for something other than for a person? (Public School #1 or North High? If we name it after ANY person, he or she will have surly done SOMETHING worthy of condemnation.) Creative Arts Academy? PGE High? Hummm...those might work, too. Whatever name is proposed, let it be for positive reasons related to quality education...not because we hate Thomas Jefferson, or George Washington, or U. S. Grant, or anyone else. Let the students, staff, alumni, community, everybody who wants, take part in the discussion. Bottom line: its about the kids and future generations. Its about our children taking full advantage of the tremendous educational opportunity right here in our neighborhood. Carl