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Community debate over renaming Cesar Chavez Middle School centers on representation and process
Summary
Dozens of alumni, students and parents urged the New Haven Unified board to rename Cesar Chavez Middle School, with community survey results favoring Jaswant Singh Khalra and other speakers asking for a slower, more inclusive process; the renaming committee will bring up to three names to the board on June 1.
What the board heard: From May 19 public comment through the renaming update, community members—students, alumni, parents and educators—spoke at length about the proposed renaming of Cesar Chavez Middle School (also referenced as John C. Thomas / CCMS in public remarks). Speakers described survey results, cultural representation concerns, and competing preferences for names including Jaswant Singh Khalra and local educator Tommy Lindsey.
Key claims and evidence: Student and community leaders said a recent community survey showed Jaswant Singh Khalra as the leading choice and argued that honoring his human-rights legacy would provide representation and role models for Punjabi and Sikh students. Ekamjit Singh Sahota said the survey "demonstrated that many students, family, alumni, and residents believe his legacy and values deserve to be honored." Other speakers urged honoring local figures and cautioned that the process must ensure immigrant families who are uncomfortable with online surveys are heard.
Process and board timeline: District staff reported the renaming survey has closed and a community forum was held; the district’s renaming committee, led by Principal Camacho, will meet and bring up to three names to the board for consideration at the June 1 meeting. Board members discussed options to extend the timeline if needed to reach more community members.
Points of contention: Several speakers asked for more time and outreach because many immigrant families do not respond to online surveys out of privacy concerns. Others warned rapid timelines risk deepening divisions. Trustee and community speakers requested clear methods for capturing voices of older or less-connected residents.
What’s next: The renaming committee will convene and bring a recommendation of up to three names to the June 1 board meeting; the board retains discretion to adopt, narrow the list, or extend the timeline for further outreach.
Voices on record: Speakers included Ekamjit Singh Sahota, Japreet Singh, Rajni Kaur, Layla Finkley and others. Superintendent Thompson and staff described the committee charge and the June 1 target date.
