In 2020, after the murder of George Floyd and a national reckoning with racial injustice, Midland ISD voted to rename Robert E. Lee High School to Legacy High School. It was a meaningful step toward unity and inclusion — especially in a school that was founded during segregation and where Black students still make up a small minority today.

But now, in August 2025, that progress is under threat. In a narrow 4–3 vote, the Midland school board just approved a proposal to restore the name of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to the high school. This decision not only undermines the efforts of students, families, and alumni who pushed for the original name change — it sends a damaging message about who belongs and whose history matters.

Robert E. Lee led an armed rebellion to preserve slavery. Honoring his name on a public high school — especially one that serves a diverse student body — isn’t about “heritage.” It’s a painful reminder of exclusion and oppression for many students and families. This isn’t just about a name — it’s about the kind of community Midland wants to be.

Local advocates and educators understand the power of symbols. The name “Legacy” was chosen to reflect a future that embraces all students, not a past rooted in racial division. The board’s reversal ignores years of work to make the school a more welcoming place for everyone.

We believe Midland ISD must stand by its values. Restoring the Confederate name sends the wrong message to students, alumni, and the nation. We are calling on the school board to reverse this vote immediately and preserve the inclusive name, Legacy High School.

Sign this petition if you believe students deserve a school name that unites, not divides.