TYLER — A parent-led coalition of parents, students and community members who support changing the name of Robert E. Lee High School hosted a "Positive Postcard Party" Thursday to keep the issue up for discussion.
The topic of the name change was taken off the agenda at the May school board meeting.
The group said they are enthusiastic about the chance to "re-brand" the Tyler ISD school, claiming that a name change would reflect the spirit of the city today instead of the old Tyler from decades ago.
"We hope that the postcards will be a physical reminder, and last longer than spoken word," said Lori Knight, a parent and member of the coalition.
To show the school board they are not giving up on the issue, Knight said postcards will show how diverse and united the group is on changing the high school's name.
In their statement, the parent-led coalition hopes to convince the board that REL would be better with a "better name and that makes for a better Tyler."
"As this nation moved forward, and as times change, we need to be a community that isn't left in the past. I mean, the nation is moving forward. I think by changing the name, it will show that Tyler is a forward thinking community," said REL student, Jonathan Graham.
REL student, Micah Leary, thanked the board members for everything they've done, but she was firm in her stance on a call to action.
"There's a separation between North and South Tyler, and I think it's really important that the name be changed, because that's one step closer to making us a more unified Tyler," she said.
Postcards were delivered with a rosemary sprig as a symbol of remembrance.
Group members said they are not trying to erase history, but move forward.
"There's so many other people that have contributed so much to Tyler, and East Texas in general. I think there are ways to be far more inclusive. I think it'll make Tyler a far better place. I really believe that," said Chris Leary, a parent who is part of the coalition.
The local coalition wishes, "to reclaim the prestige and status that our public schools deserve and choose a new name that inspires students of every race to reach their highest potential in life."
CBS19 reached out to TISD board president Fritz Hagar, but he declined to comment on the name change.
The next school board meeting is on June 18, and is open to the public. The agenda will be published 72 hours ahead of time.