Reimagine: Change the name of James Ryder Randall Elementary School
Reimagine: Change the name of James Ryder Randall Elementary School
The Issue
Located in Prince George's County, Maryland—one of the most predominantly African American counties in the United States—James Ryder Randall Elementary School in Clinton, MD, is named after a man who wrote the state song, "Maryland, My Maryland." This song has faced significant criticism for its Confederate sympathies and has been labeled "the war hymn of the Confederacy." Historically, there has been speculation that James Ryder Randall was named after James Ryder, SJ, who served as president of Georgetown University in the 19th century. Notably, James Ryder, SJ, played a crucial role in the sale of enslaved people from Maryland to alleviate the university's financial difficulties (these enslaved people are now known collectively as the GU272 ancestors).
It is long overdue and imperative that our school's name be changed, as it serves as a reminder of a troubling chapter in our history—one we must strive to move beyond. This petition calls for the renaming of James Ryder Randall Elementary School to better reflect our commitment to inclusivity, acceptance, and progressive values. We seek to distance ourselves from figures whose beliefs do not align with our ideals today. By supporting this change, we can foster an educational environment that promotes empathy, equality, and growth for our young students.
This is a change that can only be done by the Prince Georges County Superintendent Millard House II and the Board of Education members. Please sign this petition to support the renaming of James Ryder Randall Elementary School. Our goal is to not only make progress for our school but also to advocate for other schools with names that deserve reevaluation. Thank you for your commitment to a more inclusive future.
Please click on the link to choose your preferred school name: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JsCmjaC2RwTCqyfbMUFioXV8yo3Boti5ZZUAWLZQXZ4/edit
Sources:
https://patch.com/maryland/bowie/school-renaming-commission-opens-discussion-appropriateness
https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/30/us/maryland-repeals-state-song-confederacy-trnd/index.html
https://gu272.americanancestors.org/
331
The Issue
Located in Prince George's County, Maryland—one of the most predominantly African American counties in the United States—James Ryder Randall Elementary School in Clinton, MD, is named after a man who wrote the state song, "Maryland, My Maryland." This song has faced significant criticism for its Confederate sympathies and has been labeled "the war hymn of the Confederacy." Historically, there has been speculation that James Ryder Randall was named after James Ryder, SJ, who served as president of Georgetown University in the 19th century. Notably, James Ryder, SJ, played a crucial role in the sale of enslaved people from Maryland to alleviate the university's financial difficulties (these enslaved people are now known collectively as the GU272 ancestors).
It is long overdue and imperative that our school's name be changed, as it serves as a reminder of a troubling chapter in our history—one we must strive to move beyond. This petition calls for the renaming of James Ryder Randall Elementary School to better reflect our commitment to inclusivity, acceptance, and progressive values. We seek to distance ourselves from figures whose beliefs do not align with our ideals today. By supporting this change, we can foster an educational environment that promotes empathy, equality, and growth for our young students.
This is a change that can only be done by the Prince Georges County Superintendent Millard House II and the Board of Education members. Please sign this petition to support the renaming of James Ryder Randall Elementary School. Our goal is to not only make progress for our school but also to advocate for other schools with names that deserve reevaluation. Thank you for your commitment to a more inclusive future.
Please click on the link to choose your preferred school name: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JsCmjaC2RwTCqyfbMUFioXV8yo3Boti5ZZUAWLZQXZ4/edit
Sources:
https://patch.com/maryland/bowie/school-renaming-commission-opens-discussion-appropriateness
https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/30/us/maryland-repeals-state-song-confederacy-trnd/index.html
https://gu272.americanancestors.org/
331
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Petition created on September 23, 2024