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Residents and NAACP urge York County School Board to rename Magruder Elementary; board to review at May work session
Summary
Multiple speakers, including the NAACP education committee co-chair, asked the board to remove Confederate general John Bankhead Magruder's name from Magruder Elementary. The superintendent said a report on the school's name has been posted and the board will discuss the matter at a May 12 work session.
Dozens of residents told the York County School Board on March 24 that Magruder Elementary School’s name should be changed because it memorializes Confederate General John Bankhead Magruder.
"Naming the school after John Bankhead Magruder, a Confederate general who fought to uphold slavery, is deeply discourteous to black children and families in this community," said Samuel (Sam) Ray, co-chair of the NAACP—s education committee and a resident of District 3. He urged the board to act and cited Policy FFA, which the speakers said prohibits naming schools after individuals.
Other public commenters reinforced the appeal. Alan Kennedy, a District 1 resident, told the board that stripping the Confederate general—s name would "send a great message to our community, that we stand for equality." Yvonne Johnson, who said she attended Frederick Douglass School and later experienced the changes when schools integrated, described the historical displacement of Black families in the area and said the current name is painful to many in the community. Mary Lassiter, citing independent research, said historical records show the community and the school were named for General Magruder and that the board has received documentation supporting that conclusion.
Superintendent Dr. Shandor told the board that Dr. Carroll—s report on Magruder Elementary and its name has been posted on BoardDocs and that he plans to add the topic to the May 12 work session agenda for discussion. He did not present any final action at the March 24 meeting.
The callers frequently referenced Policy FFA and asked the board to follow the division—s naming rules. Sam Ray told the board, "Policy FFA also states, the school board may rename a school or school facility upon determination that it is appropriate to do so. I submit to you tonight that it is appropriate to do so at this time."
Ending: The board did not take action to rename the school on March 24. The matter will be on the May 12 work session agenda and may receive further public comment and staff recommendations at that time.
