Information about June 28 Central Unified Board Meeting (559)276-3150 
Meeting agenda link (see L. Action Items 1.) Call in or speak when this item is addressed

(see the CUSD website for current meeting information; see youtube link on the day of the meeting)

Call Script (call-in number is 559-276-3150) For L.1.:  
My name is (Your name), I am a resident, community member, parent, guardian, or student in Central Unified (or Fresno if not in Central Unified) and I would like to express support for changing the name of Polk Elementary because he used the idea of manifest destiny to commit genocide, steal land, and expand slavery and the Native American mascot at Madison Elementary because it promotes a racist stereotype and does not honor Native Americans. In addition, Roosevelt, Madison,  McKinley, and the pioneers meet the criteria of names and mascots to be avoided. Roosevelt espoused racist beliefs; Madison owned slaves; McKinley was directly involved in the colonization of people; and the pioneers were directly involved in the colonization of Native Americans, were participants in enslavement, were perpetuators of genocide and slavery, and were known white supremacists because they used the idea of manifest destiny to expand westwardly.  

In addition, a 15-year moratorium on future school name and mascot changes is an unnecessary roadblock to progress. It will help no one. 

I ask that:

The district change the controversial names and mascots in the district, including Polk, Madison, Roosevelt, McKinley, the Native American mascot of Madison Elementary, and the pioneers mascot of Polk Elementary.
I ask that the district not impose an unnecessary 15 year moratorium on change and
I ask the district to take steps to make meetings accessible to the public by ensuring the inclusion and participation of CUSD community members virtually and in person.

(You can use this for an email script if you cannot call in or attend. Send email to: commentsfrompublic@centralunified.org)

More Information:
Rename Polk Website: https://www.renamepolkelementary.com/

Rename Polk Twitter: https://twitter.com/RenamePolk

Community Alliance article about the issue: https://fresnoalliance.com/fourth-grade-student-with-a-history-lesson-confronts-school-district/

Rename Polk Gmail: renamepolkelementary@gmail.com

CUSD Website: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Index.aspx?S=36030730

Location of CUSD board meetings: Central Unified School District - YouTube