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Newspaper
Baytown Sun
Location
Baytown, Texas, United States of America
Date
Aug 02, 2020
Page
6
J Warren Singleton, a Baytown local historian, argues for removing Confederate statues and supports reparations. He recalls personal scars from slavery, urges weighing facts over emotions, and calls on citizens to consider past suffering and its impact on future generations.
Baytown residents argue that changing the Robert E Lee name is needed to end systemic racism. They cite sermons and scripture while urging GCCISD and Lee College boards to follow Tyler ISD and Midland ISD in renaming their Lee institutions. They warn that name changes address symbols, not attitudes, and advocate focusing on love and condemnation of hate.
A speaker, noting not a historian, argues no silent erasure of historic figures. The speaker contends that no one is free from fault and urges taxpayers’ elected board members to leave Lee alone and protect named landmarks.
The author argues against honoring Confederate figures and urges GCCISD to rename Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, noting recent moves to rename Lee high schools in Tyler and Midland. The piece frames statue and school name changes as part of shaping future history.
The speaker describes growing up in Baytown through 1990, attending William B. Travis, Baytown Junior, and Robert E. Lee High Schools, later teaching at Highlands Elementary and James Bowie. They note many Baytown schools honor American and Texas heroes and express concern about attempts to erase history.
A 1971 Robert E. Lee High School graduate urges renaming the school to confront racism and foster inclusivity. He cites Uptown Chicago’s diversity with 92 languages and argues Baytown should replace a general linked to slavery to signal welcome to all backgrounds. Alderman James Cappleman supports inclusivity in city discourse.
A community member recalls generations of graduates from the school and defends keeping the Robert E. Lee Ganders name amid calls for change. He criticizes the school board and vows ongoing resistance until a victory is achieved.
Olga Langford recalls spending early 1950s at Robert E. Lee High School as a clarinetist and student. She praises the education and the school becoming a historical building after her 1954 graduation and urges stopping any name change to preserve heritage.
A Lee High School graduate opposes a name change, arguing Lee pride and school excellence across sports academics and music. The letter notes teachers shaped strong citizenship and cites the school song praising the maroon and white banners of Robert E. Lee.
Frances Carroll Turner a REL Class of 1954 speaks against changing the school name arguing history remains unchanged by a label and urging preservation of legacy and identity.
A Baytown reader urges preserving Robert E. Lee High School name arguing it reflects local tradition and a storied history. The writer, a 1956 graduate, recalls the school as Baytown’s first high school and defends Lee’s Civil War era legacy and long service to the country.
A GCCISD reader commends President Jessica Woods for delaying rename talk of Robert E. Lee amid COVID-19 concerns. The letter criticizes Cottar Laredo and Sampson as self serving and urges reflection on public service and reelection in a tense local education discourse.
A Baytown alumnus recalls Robert E. Lee High School traditions dating to 1972 and 1980 graduating years. He defends the name, arguing it honors great men and history, urges voting against renaming, and warns changes would haunt alumni.
Local school board votes to rename a landmark figure in history as Baytown High School moves to reframe its identity and address community concerns. The decision focuses on preserving heritage while aligning with inclusive values and educational goals.
Alumni readers argue Robert E. Lee High School should keep its name as a Baytown landmark. They claim traditions and history matter and oppose changes driven by perceived political correctness.
Cynthia Boland of League City voices opposition to a name change, stating she was born in Baytown and attended REL for data processing in junior and senior years. She argues the issue should be decided by voters, not during a pandemic, noting local pride and traditions.
A 1962 graduate defends keeping the name Robert E Lee High School amid calls to rename the institution. The letter railes against liberal changes and praises the Lee grads and traditions while urging supporters to oppose a name change.
A former student reflects on graduating in 1981 from Robert E. Lee High School and defends keeping historical names. He argues against cancel culture, urging funds to support student safety and studies, and asserts history should be preserved for future generations.
A 1970 Baytown Lee graduate writes that he and his family, longtime residents and former members of the Famous Robert E. Lee Band, oppose renaming the school. He urges preserving the Lee legacy amid calls to revise historical names.
A local group named Save REL Baytown is collecting signatures to preserve the name of Robert E. Lee High School. Petitions are available in person at Dr. Gary Boehme 4001 Garth Rd 102 and other local businesses, with an online link via the group’s Facebook page or email at SaveREL2020 gmail com.
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