On December 8, the School Board voted unanimously to change the names of Thomas Jefferson Elementary and George Mason High School. 

This vote was a major step in a months-long process beginning in June. The discussion of changing the school names was sparked by local activists over this summer, following widespread protests against police brutality and systematic racism.

The process has been marked by tension and division in the Falls Church community. Over the past few months, hundreds of parents, teachers, students, and community members have written into board meetings with opinions on the change. 

Community members submitted 90 pages of public comment to the public record, both in favor and in opposition of the name changes. 

Notably, Mason World History teacher Anna Barr submitted a statement, citing her past experience as a historical interpreter and tour guide at Monticello and her expertise of Thomas Jefferson. Mainly, she referenced Jefferson’s little known book, Notes on the State of Virginia, which was published in 1785.

Barr wrote, “[Jefferson] believed, as many Enlightenment thinkers did, that physical difference between people (as physical difference between animal species) implied difference in character of competence.” 

A board-administered survey of public opinion, sent to students, staff, parents, and community members, revealed heavy opposition to changing the names. In total, 26% of those who responded were in favor of changing the name of Mason, 56% were opposed, and 19% had no opinion. 23% of those who responded were in favor of changing the name of Jefferson, 56% were opposed, and 22% had no opinion. 

Of the 1,005 students from both Henderson and Mason that responded to the survey, 26% were in favor of changing the name of Mason, 38% were opposed, and 35% had no opinion. When the students were asked if the Board should change the name of Jefferson, 25% were in favor, 36% were opposed, and 39% had no opinion. 

Despite the opposition found in the survey, the Board felt that changing the names was necessary.

“Our schools must be places where all students, staff, and community members feel safe, supported, and inspired,” School Board Chair Greg Anderson said. 

“In their private lives, Mason and Jefferson made choices that were reprehensible and that can not be overlooked,” School Board Vice Chair Shawna Russell said. “While slavery in colonial Virginia was common, even then in colonial America it was strongly opposed by many. Their actions did not live up to their words.”

“Still, in no way do I want to erase history, to cancel these men, or go down the slippery slope of suggesting that we embark on a broad campaign to remove their legacy everywhere he appears or is celebrated,” Russell continued.

The SCA Executive Board shared a statement in support of the name change: “[George Mason and Thomas Jefferson] committed crimes against humanity and cannot represent our school’s identity… In a matter so important as this, we cannot simply yield to the will of the majority, rather we must put the voices of the marginalized at the forefront of the conversation, and act accordingly.”

Many students and other community members voiced their opinions and reactions online. Some claim changing the names is necessary to make Falls Church a more welcoming community. Others argue changing the names is a sharp overreaction that will not lead to change, and criticize the board members for not voting in line with the results of the public survey.

From here, the School Board begins a process to decide on new names for the two schools. More clarity on how this process works will be provided in the weeks to come.