Atlanta Public Schools spokeswoman Jill Strickland sent The Atlanta Journal-Constitution a written statement about Grady High School's student newspaper calling for the removal of Henry Grady's name from their school,
“Atlanta Public Schools is proud of The Grady High School Southerner newspaper’s long and storied history of encouraging community dialogue with thoughtful articles. As such, we respect its position on this issue,” Strickland said in a statement sent Tuesday evening.
School board members Leslie Grant and Matt Westmoreland, who both represent Grady, have not returned calls from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution seeking comment.
An editorial published in Grady's student newspaper last week stated:
“As a community of individuals from various backgrounds, races and ethnicities, we should not have a name that fails to represent that heterogeneity. More than that, we should not have a name that is counter to the goals of any productive and welcoming school — one that fails to celebrate many cultures and embrace the uniqueness of Atlanta.”
As alternatives to Grady, the board suggested Ida B. Wells, John Lewis, Andrew Young or Jimmy Carter.
Atlanta school board policy on naming facilities calls for the board chairman to appoint a special committee to consider nominations.
The policy states, “Consideration will be given to names of local communities, neighborhoods, streets, landmarks, and individuals who have made a significant contribution. Names of individuals will be considered only after they have been deceased for five years.”
Grady, an editor of and part owner of the Atlanta Constitution, was known for his work to promote his vision of the New South, a vision that depended on maintaining white supremacy.
