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Community speakers urge slower, broader process for renaming Cesar Chavez Middle School
Summary
Dozens of community members urged the New Haven Unified School District board to slow the renaming process for Cesar Chavez Middle School, broaden outreach to underrepresented groups and provide more public forums; several speakers proposed names to honor Punjabi/Sikh leaders and described bullying concerns.
Dozens of residents urged the New Haven Unified School District Board of Education on June 2 to slow the process to rename Cesar Chavez Middle School and to broaden community outreach before the board takes a final vote.
At the start of the public‑comment block, Michelle Parnella said trustees had “committed to seconding a motion already in advance of an action item on the renaming of that school, shame on you,” and asked the board to pause while the committee does more community engagement. Jasdeep Singh testified that the process felt rushed and urged trustees to ‘‘think about what it looks like from this side of the dais.’’
Several speakers from Union City’s Punjabi and Sikh communities urged the board to choose a name that reflects local heritage and combats bullying. Gursawak Singh Dalwal said renaming would “honor his legacy and reflect the diversity and values of our community,” and student speakers described how seeing their community represented at school would increase belonging. Raj Kaur recounted the 1997 suicide of a bullied 13‑year‑old, Vijay Singh, and said a new name would send the message that “their stories matter.”
Other community members, including former board member and chamber leader Jim Navarro, urged the district to ensure the renaming committee is representative of the district’s full diversity and to provide more opportunities for input beyond the single May 18 forum. Navarro said the selection process “should reflect the diversity of our entire community.”
Board members acknowledged the concerns and several trustees recommended an extended timeline. Trustee Freiberg said the renaming of an existing school should occur “only under extraordinary circumstances and after thorough study,” and proposed a properly agendized town‑hall in August to gather more feedback. Superintendent and staff said the renaming committee had considered accelerating a recommendation for the June 16 meeting but would relay board direction to expand engagement and consider alternative timelines.
The board did not vote on any renaming recommendation at the June 2 meeting. Trustees said they retain authority to accept, reject, or ask the committee to revise any short list the committee submits; several trustees asked staff to explore additional outreach methods to reach families who do not respond to online surveys.
The board signaled it would ask the committee for a revised timeline and additional community engagement before any final action, and some trustees favored waiting until school is in session so more families can participate.
