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In response to hundreds of requests to change the nickname of Douglas Freeman High School from the Confederate-inspired “Rebels,” Principal John Marshall today emailed the school’s community to ask for input about the topic through a new website – http://www.freemanmascot.info.
The Citizen was first to report the latest iteration of a growing movement to change the nickname.
“As a steward of the position I hold, and as an individual with just one perspective, I believe my role is to listen to the community, make sure all sides are heard, and then build consensus on the right path forward for the students of DSF,” Marshall wrote. “That is what I intend to do starting right now. I want to hear from you, the Freeman Family. How do you feel about our school’s mascot, the Rebels? I want to hear about your lived experiences, your opinion and your reasoning.
“I pledge to listen, reflect what I hear and, with a committee formed of community members, students and staff, use that input to make a determination about the future of our school’s “Rebels” mascot. This decision will not be made behind closed doors or without community input, nor will it be a mechanism to avoid the hard conversations we need to have as a community.”
An ultimate decision about the nickname, Marshall wrote, will not be made based upon the outcome or a popular vote.
“We will listen to the community — as many voices as we possibly can — and choose the best course for our students,” he wrote.
The website will accept input in written, audio or video form, Marshall said. He called for submissions not just from students but also from alumni of the school, as well as parents, current and former staff members and other community stakeholders.
Input also will be accepted through email at freemanmascot@henrico.k12.va.us.
“There will be some in our community who question the need to examine our school’s mascot at all,” Marshall wrote. “There will be some who question why we need to listen and don’t change it today. There are many who are conflicted, viewing the term one way for a lifetime but now learning about others’ viewpoints and wrestling with that disconnect.
“Well-intentioned members of the Freeman Family exist all along this spectrum; I know this because I’ve spoken with them. 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. I honestly look forward to listening and engaging in this work as a community for the betterment of our kids.”
Students plan peaceful protest Friday
Meanwhile, a group of Freeman students is planning a peaceful protest on the front lawn of the school June 12 beginning at noon. Student speakers will discuss the effects of systemic racism on the school, its overall community and education in Henrico generally, according to one of the student organizers.
Students plan to hold signs while marching along the sidewalk in front of the school. The chief goal of the event, an organizer told the Citizen, is to catalyze discussion among school community members about how to support black students.
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