Listen
Robert E. Lee has been a controversial figure in history and modern times. And in East Wenatchee, the Confederate general’s name is attached to an elementary school.
Some community members have been pushing the Eastmont School District to change the name against the backdrop of heightened racial tensions across the country.
Superintendent Garn Christensen now supports a name change. He’s led the Eastmont District since 2007, including during a similar effort in 2015 to re-name the school. Christensen recently spoke in favor changing the school name to just Lee Elementary.
"I put forth a recommendation that given what I perceive happening and the divisiveness that is occuring around this name, that they move forward and immediately change the name, modify it to Lee Elementary," Christensen said.
It’s a compromise that would likely leave name-change supporters and opponents unhappy, but Christensen believes it’s the best option.
The Eastmont School Board will decide whether to keep the name of Robert E. Lee Elementary at their January 8 meeting.
Copyright 2017 Northwest Public Radio
Related Stories:
UPDATES: Amtrak Train Derailment Onto I-5 Brings Investigation And Many Questions
An Amtrak train on its inaugural run from Seattle to Portland derailed Monday morning, Dec. 18, 2017, sending at least one train car off an overpass and onto a busy Interstate 5 below. The derailment happened in DuPont, about 40 miles south of Seattle near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, before 8 a.m. during morning rush hour. Read More » Scott Leadingham January 2, 2018
Seattle Settles Lawsuit With Man Who Accused Former Mayor Ed Murray Of Sexual Abuse
The city of Seattle will pay $150,000 to Delvonn Heckard, one of the five men who accused former Mayor Ed Murray of sexually abusing him. Read More » NWPB News December 31, 2017
Rep. Matt Manweller, CWU Professor, Ordered To Stay Away From Students Amid Investigation
Washington state Republican Representative Matt Manweller. CREDIT: WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE Listen UPDATE, Dec. 29, 2017: Public records released by Central Washington University this week Read More » Austin Jenkins December 31, 2017