SAN DIEGO–California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) has called on San Diego Unified School District to rename Robert E. Lee Elementary School in the Paradise Hills community.
The elementary school is located in part of the 80th District represented by Assemblywoman Gonzalez.
“Recent tragedies have revived the debate over confederate-related symbolism in our country,” Gonzalez said in a letter Monday to the Superintendent Cindy Marten. “The flag in particular, and anyone associated with this army, in general, have been associated with intolerance, racism and hate, none of which have a place in our schools. It is also important to note that the area in which the elementary school is located is truly representative of South San Diego—a vibrant, multi-ethnic community with a strong African-American presence that deserves a school named after someone we can all admire. Robert E. Lee is not that person.”
Gonzalez has said her office began conversations with District officials over the past few months, but is requesting the school be renamed publicly in order to invite a broader public dialogue about the issue.
