A Change.org petition has been started to rename Robert E. Lee High School in Tyler.
The petition cites the recent protests against police brutality for the timing of the change.
"As such I believe it is inappropriate to continue to allow a confederate soldier be the spearhead for an educational establishment where students of different ethnicities attend," the petition states. "It is perpetuating the notion that black lives are beneath those of white power and it allows racism to flame not only in the school but in our community."
So far, more than 3,300 people have signed the petition.
"The voices of all students are valuable; their individual and shared experiences add to the power of an educational community. A school should vehemently protect, uphold and strengthen all of its students. The name Robert E Lee holds a history of racial inequity, divide and hatred," one of the comments read. "As a result, a very large portion of the REL student body is reminded daily of their second class status. Valuing a historic name over the living, breathing students is a ongoing failure of our public educational system."
"I'm signing because I want Tyler's legacy to encompass unity and collaboration--not division and hatred," another comment said.
In August 2018, the Tyler ISD school board addressed the possibility of changing the school's name. After weeks of public debate, the school board met on August 5 to vote.
During the meeting, all the members of the board gave passionate schools concerning the name change. Afterward, school board member Aaron Martinez formally introduced a motion to rename Robert E. Lee High School. However, no member of the board would second the motion, making the motion dead.
