For over a year, concerned parents in Rolando, a suburb of San Diego, California, have been pushing for a change in the name of their children’s school, Henry Clay Elementary School. Their issue is with the school’s namesake, Henry Clay, a prominent U.S. statesman known for his involvement in preserving slavery and controversial legislation leading up to the Civil War.
Despite their efforts, the school’s name remains unchanged. Frustrated with this, the parents have launched a renaming campaign, involving parents, school staff, and community members. The campaign also extends to renaming the neighboring Clay Neighborhood Park.
This movement is part of a larger trend within the San Diego Unified School District, where various stakeholders have been advocating for renaming facilities that honor historical figures associated with racism. Recent examples include Serra High, now known as Canyon Hills High, and Lindbergh/Schweitzer Elementary, which is now Clairemont Canyons Academy.
Under pressure from the community, San Diego Unified officials agreed to rename Clay Elementary. However, concerns arose regarding the transparency of the renaming process, especially regarding the selection of the new name by an anonymous district committee meeting behind closed doors. The proposed name, Rolling Hills Leadership Elementary, was seen by the initiating parents as lacking transparency and failing to address their desire for change. The parents had suggested honoring four Black women, but their suggestions were overlooked in favor of a name described by the district as “neutral.”
The school board was expected to vote on the name change, but it was withdrawn from the agenda due to concerns. District officials emphasized the importance of inclusivity and dialogue in the renaming process, expressing their commitment to considering all voices.
Henry Clay, born in 1777, held various political offices and played significant roles in shaping American history. However, his legacy is marred by his support for legislation that perpetuated slavery and exacerbated divisions in the country. Furthermore, his resistance to legal challenges from enslaved individuals further tarnishes his reputation.
The circumstances surrounding the naming of Clay Elementary also reflect historical inequalities, as it was named in the 1950s, during a period marked by racial segregation in housing. Choosing Clay as a namesake sends a troubling message, particularly in a school where the majority of students are students of color.
The parents advocating for the renaming proposed honoring individuals who could serve as positive role models for students. Some suggestions included bell hooks, Octavia Butler, Amanda Gorman, and Bertha Pendleton. However, the district’s decision-making process raised questions about inclusivity and representation.
The renaming process, overseen by a committee appointed by the superintendent, lacked transparency, with closed-door meetings and undisclosed committee rosters. This lack of transparency fueled skepticism among parents about the selection of the proposed name.
Ultimately, the proposed name, Rolling Hills Leadership Elementary, failed to connect with the initiating parents due to its perceived lack of transparency and inability to address historical injustices. The proposed name, influenced by geographical features, disregarded the desire to honor notable individuals and undo the legacy of Henry Clay.
Moving forward, the district plans to revisit the renaming process, placing emphasis on inclusivity and community engagement. However, the controversy surrounding the renaming of Clay Elementary underscores broader discussions about representation, historical accountability, and the significance of community input in decision-making processes.
