Hyde Park wants new name for Robert E. Lee

On Monday, the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association voted to recommend that the name of Robert E. Lee Elementary School be changed to “a new name that reflects the values of the neighborhood and city.” The vote was 24-11, with two abstentions, and the recommendation has been forwarded to the Austin Independent School District board of trustees and superintendent. In an email to neighbors, neighborhood association Co-president Lorre Weidlich wrote, “The discussion was passionate on both sides of the issue. It was obvious that many people felt the need to express their feelings and describe their experiences. A neighbor of mine pointed out to me this morning that the meeting made clear the value of providing a forum that allows for an open discussion.” The online Friends of Hyde Park also voted in favor of changing the name 100-40. Their discussion on the topic can be found here, for the curious.