Dearborn debate centers on proposal to name Edsel Ford gym for longtime coach Haj Ibrahim Bedun

Members of the public urged the Dearborn City School District Board of Education on Wednesday to honor the late coach Haj Ibrahim Bedun for decades of service, while alumni representatives and some residents objected to the scope and process of the proposed tribute.

"He gave the program and our kids everything and never asked for a dime in return," said Jied Bedun, identifying himself as an Edsel Ford alumnus and current teacher and the eldest son of the late coach, as he described a draft proposal that would include a mural, a new scoreboard and a Ford Hall of Fame showcase. "Coach Bedun donated hundreds of thousands of dollars…He never missed a single day in his 30-plus-year career."

The proposal produced two main lines of objection from speakers who said they reviewed the alumni association’s letter: that the mural and court lettering are too large and would diminish the school’s name and traditions, and that the committee may have formed too soon after Bedun’s death. Mary Lane, a Dearborn resident who said she has served on naming committees, cited Administrative Guideline 7250A and asked whether the required committee composition and waiting period were followed.

"A committee should not be formed within the district policy within six months of a decease," Lane said, arguing the district should avoid decisions driven by immediate emotion and asking whether students and proper appointees were included in the committee.

Representatives of the Ford Varsity Alumni did not oppose honoring Bedun but urged the board to reduce the size and scope of the proposed design. "Recognition is important, but it should not overshadow the broader mission of the school," said Brian Macy, identified as a board member of the Ford Varsity Alumni. Macy asked the board to consider alternatives that would be ‘‘meaningful yet measured.’"

Several former players, colleagues and family members spoke in favor of naming the gym for Bedun, recounting free summer camps, long-term counseling work and personal financial support for students. "He was the hardest working individual I have ever seen…He never took shortcuts and ensured that everything was done to the highest standard," said Hadtie Bun, who said he served as the coach’s assistant.

Board members acknowledged the emotional tenor of the public comments and emphasized broad agreement that some form of recognition is warranted while disagreeing on the shape of that recognition. Several trustees criticized committee leadership and said scope concerns should have been raised during committee meetings rather than after the recommendation was presented to the board. Trustee Zar said he was disturbed that most speakers who supported the proposal identified as Arab American while speakers opposed did not, and asked the board to consider whether discussions reflected community values.

The board did not take a vote. Chair Mos said the proposal is still "fluid," that the comments collected would be returned to the committee, and expressed hope a revised recommendation would be ready for the next meeting. The board’s action at the meeting was limited to directing that feedback be shared with the tribute committee and that the committee rework the proposal in light of community input.

What happens next: The board expects the tribute committee to consider the community feedback and return a revised proposal at a subsequent meeting. No formal motion or vote on naming the gym occurred at this session.

Sources: Public comment period at a Dearborn City School District board meeting; speakers included Jied Bedun, Hadtie Bun, Dr. Wanda Zenzen, Dr. Mike Bedun, Iman Nora, Mary Lane, Ali Dagger, Robin (last name not recorded), Mandi Hamadi, Brian Macy, Dina Sad and board members identified in the transcript as Chair Mos, Trustee Jeffrey and Trustee Zar.