Many people know the name Blanchard, as it relates to the name on the PPS district HQ in North Portland.  However, many people do not know, or fail to acknowledge racist policies he integrated throughout his tenure, until he was fired in 1980. Thank you to Ron Herndon and the Black United Front for liberating students and family communities!

Robert Blanchard was instrumental in implementing Portland Public schools bussing policy.  The policy displaced African-American students from their community schools, and bussed them to predominantly white schools in various places throughout the city. As former African American students have asserted, they were emotionally abused, separated from peers, and placed in hostile environments. We know that this policy was hurtful to many.  In addition, extends the long arm of white supremacy that was already deeply rooted in Portland, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. 

Anytime, former students, educators, current students and/or visitors enter this building, they are reminded of their oppressor as well as racist polices created by Robert Blanchard.  Please be part in advocating for the removal of Blanchard’s name from our district HQ, and replacing it with 

Peoples Center for Education and Justice, or allow the youth to decide a name and person who is worthy.  Time for change.