The recent anti-racism protests, fueled by the BlackLivesMatter movement, has led organisations and individual all over the globe to be more introspective. It has led for all responsible citizens of the world to ask how they have participated or been complacent in the systemic discrimination of racial and ethnic minorities over the years. As members of an institution that encourages free thought, Karachi Grammar School (KGS) alumni demand the renaming of the all of the school houses.

Since its inception, KGS has graduated individuals who have contributed greatly towards making our world a more equitable place. It must also take this constructive and symbolic step toward disavowing its historic associations with persons who have actively worked toward preserving systems of racial inequality and exploitation.

Honoring individuals, such as Charles Napier and Henry Bartle Frere, as founding members of the school or that of the British Empire is problematic in many ways. It is a tacit acceptance of their beliefs and also undermines subjugation of racial and ethnic minorities.  

Changing the names of the houses to something more impartial or honoring individuals who have contributed towards the anti-racist and anti-colonial struggle of the sub-continent would help everyone part of the KGS community find solace in the fact that the institution values progressive ideas and stands behind those who have been disenfranchised for generations. 

To know more about the movement: https://i-d.vice.com/en_uk/article/935ana/by-erasing-black-history-british-schools-fail-everyone