Decision about Freeman's 'Rebels' nickname coming by mid-August

More than 1,300 people have submitted their thoughts about whether Freeman High School should change its “Rebels” nickname, which originated as a tribute to Confederate soldiers – and the school’s principal is promising a decision about the name within about five weeks.

Freeman Principal John Marshall wrote in a recent online update that he had received more than 250 pages of comments from the school’s current and former stakeholders. Marshall has convened a committee of at least 10 people – three current students, two current parents, two staff members and alumni from three separate decades, he said – which will meet throughout July to weigh the issue and advise Marshall and his team of staff members.

A virtual forum July 14 is designed to solicit more input from those on all sides of the debate. Marshall intends for the school to answer its nickname question by mid-August, implying that the the final decision would rest with his administrative team and himself.

“Personally, I have been touched by the thoughtful, impassioned, well-crafted responses, which I’ve spent the last few weeks reading,” Marshall wrote on the website the school created to address the topic. “Honestly, it reminded me of the love for Freeman in our community and the brilliant individuals who have passed through our halls.”

Among the most powerful responses so far: one from a 2015 graduate of the school who described herself as a white woman who was among those petitioning in 2014 for the name to remain.

“At that time, I was motivated by a few different reasons: My grandmother was part of the first class [of] graduate[s] from Freeman 50 years before. . . and I was sentimental about the legacy in my own family. I couldn’t see how something was offensive if it wasn’t offensive ‘to me.’ I was soaked in what I now recognize was lost cause culture, a culture that romanticized the ‘good ole days.’”

The woman wrote that as an American Studies major at UVA with a concentration in Southern Studies, she realized that her earlier views were changing.

“I am so sad that I ever fought to keep such a harmful symbol in place,” she wrote. “It will never be okay. Please help me correct this error and take immediate action to replace the rebel.”

Many don’t share her view, though.

Wrote one student, “I am incredibly proud to be a Freeman Rebel, and I do not want to see our mascot changed. While true, the name started out as homage to Confederates, I feel that the meaning behind it has changed. We, as a community, have tried to move on from the dark origins of the name and transforms it into a positive banner for us all to unite under.”

At Freeman, another student wrote, “you become a great learner, leader, and Rebel. You create a personal relationship with teachers and classmates. Every day you get to learn new material while fellow students do the same no matter what race. You get pushed day after day to always do your best and produce your best work. I feel this is what it means to be a “Rebel.”

The mother of a current black student at Freeman wrote that her daughter wanted to try out for the cheerleading team until she learned the school’s nickname.

“She said mommy you know I [would] love to be a cheerleader but there is no way I can cheer for them knowing their name symbolizes the name of the Confederate army,” the woman wrote. “The purpose of that war was to keep our ancestors as slaves. . . I also find it very sad that when my daughter graduates from school she will not have any school gear to keep or remember because we both believe as blacks it’s not ok to wear gear that reads ‘Rebels.’”

Wrote a Freeman alum: “This word does not define our school and the way we want our students and staff to be treated, so why is it necessary to keep it? . . We can take away the images and redesign the logo for our school, but you cannot take away the feeling I can only assume most people of color feel when they hear or see that word.”

A current student athlete wrote that it is time for a change.

“As [an athlete] and 2nd generation rebel, I have always taken the name with pride,” the student wrote. “I have cherished yelling ‘Go Rebs’ at sports games and around school. The name for me provides a sense of community and lifelong spirit for the school I love. Both of my parents were rebels and I know they cherish the name too.

“However, I understand its history and how it reflects the confederate past. . . While we have given a new meaning to the word “Rebel,” I’m not sure that’s enough. . . I feel we need a name that suits our strong community without eluding to the past that put chains around our black brothers and sisters.”

Written comments still may be submitted through July 11 on this website or by e-mailing freemanmascot@henrico.k12.va.us.

“In the end, I hope that we will listen to each other and engage in a dialogue that allows us to see others’ perspectives — a process which may have far-reaching positive effects beyond the name of a mascot,” Marshall wrote. “I hope that the process I’ve outlined here demonstrates our desire to listen and to lean in to the conversations that will only make us stronger as a community.

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