The City of Decatur has often represented diversity and tolerance. But historical remnants of our flawed past are constant reminders of the work still needed to get done to achieve our goals regarding the progress of people of color. Carl G Renfroe, the individual our middle school is named after, served as a superintendent for City Schools of Decatur from 1959 - 1975. Although Renfroe became superintendent after the Brown v. Board of Education case (1954) was settled, Renfroe resisted desegregating city schools and is remembered by residents for racially biased decisions and language. He is quoted as making racially charged statements during a school graduation ceremony. *We are proud of our nigras.” — R.L, Decatur resident and former Trinity High School student, February 2018 interview with David Rotenstein.
As this comes to light, I question if it is appropriate for our middle school to be named after Mr. Renfroe. I begin to question what messages this sends to students, and if the name of our middle school represents the values we hold as a community in Decatur. As a concerned student and member of the Decatur community, I believe that changing the name of Renfroe Middle School is the best possible course of action. Your signing of this petition will ensure that we have the community's input to present our proposal at the next school board meeting. Thank you for your time and consideration.