Texas School Restoring Name Honoring Confederate General
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A Texas school district is moving to restore the name of a Confederate general to one of its campuses, reversing a 2020 decision made amid nationwide calls to remove symbols of the Confederacy.
The Midland Independent School District Board of Trustees voted 4-3 late on August 12, 2025, to revert Legacy High School to its original name, Midland Lee High School, restoring the association with Confederate General Robert E. Lee and applying the change to the freshman campus and a planned future site.
Robert E. Lee's name has been widely commemorated across the United States, particularly in the South, through monuments, statues, schools, streets, and parks. Some of the most prominent statues include the equestrian memorial in Charlottesville, Virginia, removed in 2021 after violent protests, and the Robert E. Lee Monument in Richmond, Virginia, which was toppled the same year amid racial justice demonstrations.
Other cities, including New Orleans, Dallas, Houston, and Austin, have also had statues honoring Lee, many of which have been removed or are slated for removal.
Why It Matters
The vote marked a rare reversal in the national reassessment of Confederate symbols, underscoring tensions between local traditions and efforts to confront historical ties to slavery and segregation.
Nationwide data showed more than 300 schools across 20 states still bore the names of Confederate leaders, making the Midland reversal part of a broader debate about public commemorations in schools and other institutions.
Legacy High School in Texas.
Legacy High School in Texas.
Google Maps
What To Know
Trustees Matt Friez, Josh Guinn, Angel Hernandez and Brandon Hodges voted for the change, while trustees Tommy Bishop, Michael Booker and Sara Burleson opposed it.
The board specified that the renaming would apply to the main high school at 3500 Neely Avenue, the freshman campus at 1400 East Oak Street, and a planned campus legally described as 121.915 acres in the northwest quarter of Section 48, Block 40, T1S.
The motion followed more than four hours of public testimony from over 50 residents and drew a crowd of hundreds, with attendees both waving restored "Lee" flags and urging unity and inclusion during emotionally charged remarks.
The 2020 renaming to "Legacy High School" had occurred amid nationwide protests over racial injustice following the killing of George Floyd. The school had originally opened in 1961 during an era of legally enforced segregation.
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) reported that 168 Confederate symbols were removed, renamed, or relocated that year—more than in the preceding four years combined.
Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee during the American Civil War at an unknown location.
Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee during the American Civil War at an unknown location.
AP
The movement gained momentum as cities and institutions responded to public outcry. For example, Richmond, Virginia, removed several Confederate statues, including the prominent Robert E. Lee monument, which was later displayed in a Los Angeles museum exhibition titled "Monuments," aiming to promote critical reflection on America's history.
Similarly, Mobile, Alabama, dismantled the statue of Confederate naval officer Raphael Semmes, relocating it to the History Museum of Mobile. In Decatur, Georgia, the DeKalb County Confederate Monument was removed from the courthouse square, reflecting a broader trend of reevaluating public symbols.
What People Are Saying
Josh Guinn, Midland ISD trustee, wrote on social media: "This is not a division — it's about honoring the patriotic legacy that binds us. Let's stand firm, protect our heritage, and ensure Midland Lee High School rises as a beacon of our West Texas spirit."
Carie McNeil, alumna, said: "This is not a Confederacy thing or race; it's about family. This is about history, 61 years of tradition, athletes, and academics."
Sue Roseberry, longtime resident, told the board: "I want you to know that you have an opportunity to associate the school with something that uplifts all of our students."
Barbara Hanley, retired teacher, said: "Let the old name die," and called the reversal a "waste of money" that would "only serve to divide the community further."
Ebony Coleman, founder of Jumpstart Midland, said: "This is a distraction from what really matters right now."
What Happens Next
The board ordered the name change to take effect at the start of the 2026–2027 school year, and the district will begin planning for updates to signage, uniforms, and other items as the community prepares for the transition.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Iran Warns US About 'Trump Bridge' Plan
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The foreign minister of Iran said that the country would react carefully to any plan or project that could limit its ability to use important routes or undermine its strategic interests, in a warning to the U.S. about the Zangezur corridor near Iran's northern border. Newsweek has contacted the U.S. State Department for comment. Why It Matters Dubbed the "Trump Bridge" and the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity," the corridor would link Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave via southern Armenia, after the two countries agreed to a U.S.-brokered peace deal. Iran and its ally Russia, which have welcomed the peace deal signed at the White House last week, worry that the transit route could shift regional influence, reduce their leverage and give the U.S. and Azerbaijan greater control over strategic transport and trade routes. President Donald Trump, center, shakes hands with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, right, and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, left, at a trilateral signing ceremony in the State Dining Room of the White House on August... President Donald Trump, center, shakes hands with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, right, and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, left, at a trilateral signing ceremony in the State Dining Room of the White House on August 8 in Washington, D.C. More Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo What To Know Abbas Araghchi, Iran's foreign minister, said the newly proposed transport corridor "must not block Iran's ability to access other transit routes," according to Tasnim News Agency. His comments echoed those of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who emphasized the need to block foreign military or security presence in the corridor. Through a 99-year-lease agreement, the U.S. and its forces will gain access near Iran's East Azerbaijan province, while boosting American influence in the Russian-dominated South Caucasus. According to Vahan Kostanyan, Armenia's deputy foreign minister, the opening of new regional communication routes would boost Armenia-Iran railway cooperation, including via the Nakhchivan–Jolfa line, giving Iran access to Armenia and the Black Sea, he told Iranian media. What People Are Saying Araghchi, as quoted by Tasnim: "I emphasized once again that while the Islamic Republic of Iran supports the establishment of peace and stability in the relations among the neighboring states, it pays special attention to the maintenance of the region's geopolitical stability and its national interests, and will show special sensitivity to any plan or project that may restrict our country's access to routes or the fulfillment of its interests." Kostanyan, in an interview with Islamic Republic News Agency on Thursday: "It is important for us to hear the feedback and opinions of brotherly countries, especially Iran." Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, in a statement on August 9: "Involvement of actors outside the region should contribute to strengthening the peace agenda rather than create additional difficulties and dividing lines. It would be prudent to avoid repeating the counterproductive outcomes of Western conflict mediation in the Middle East." What Happens Next Armenia and Azerbaijan have yet to ratify the peace treaty.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Gavin Newsom Dealt Polling Blow in 'War' With Donald Trump, GOP
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. California Governor Gavin Newsom was dealt a polling blow amid his redistricting war with Republicans after a survey found a majority of California voters support the state's independent commission rather than allowing lawmakers to draw congressional boundaries. Newsom's office responded to that poll in a post to X, formerly Twitter, writing, "You mean the poll that tested what we are NOT doing (getting rid of the commission!)?? Do not be fooled by so called 'experts' who don't even ask the right questions! There is STRONG support!" A Newsom spokesperson pointed to that post when reached for comment by Newsweek Thursday afternoon. Why It Matters Newsom on Thursday urged California lawmakers to approve a ballot measure that would allow them to engage in mid-decade redistricting—but not reverse the state's independent redistricting commission—in an effort to retaliate against Republicans in a redistricting "arms race." Newsom said the measure would be temporary, with the commission resuming authority to redraw the state's maps in the 2030 redistricting cycle. Texas, with the support of President Donald Trump, is working to complete mid-decade redistricting as GOP lawmakers plan to eliminate up to five Democratic-held seats in the House of Representatives and thwart party gains in the midterms. Other Republican states like Missouri and Florida have followed and are now considering redraws of their own. Democratic states like California are also moving to redraw their maps in retaliation, but many have independent commissions or other laws that make it difficult to craft mid-decade redraws. If Republican states are successful, they could net several seats through redistricting ahead of the midterms and enable the GOP to sustain House majority. The extent to which Democratic states can redraw their own maps could be decisive in the election results. What To Know A new poll from Politico and the Citrin Center for Public Opinion Research found that most Californians would support keeping the independent redistricting, marking a potential public opinion hurdle for Newsom and Democrats. Sixty-four percent of California voters support keeping the commission, while only 36 percent support returning redistricting authority to the state legislature, according to the poll. It surveyed 1,445 registered voters from July 28 to August 12. California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference in Los Angeles on August 14. California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference in Los Angeles on August Democrats, 61 percent of respondents said they supported keeping the independent commission. For comparison, 66 percent of Republicans and 72 percent of independents echoed that sentiment. During the news conference on Thursday, Newsom also said that the temporary measure would affirm California's support for both nationalized redistricting reform and the state's commission. "We expect that the legislature will move quickly and anticipate by the end of next week that they will complete that work. The maps will present themselves in the next few years," Newsom said. Republicans currently hold a narrow 219-212 advantage in the House of Representatives, and Democrats have been optimistic about their chances of retaking chamber majority in November 2026, particularly if Trump's approval ratings continue to sour. Typically, new maps are only drawn once per decade after completion of the U.S. Census, barring any legal challenges that end in a court-mandated redraw. Texas' efforts to redraw the map kicked off the nationwide "arms race," and has prompted calls from other Democratic-led states like Illinois, Maryland and New York to eliminate Republican districts in return. What People Are Saying Newsom also said during the news conference: "We anticipate these maps will completely neuter and neutralize what is happening in Texas. This does not go forward, I want to remind everybody, unless one of these other states move forward. There's still an exit ramp." Pollster Jack Citrin told Politico: "It's not surprising, in the sense that California has voted twice for this independent review commission not all that long ago." Representative Kevin Kiley, a California Republican, wrote on X: "Newsom's team helpfully points out that the poll showing overwhelming opposition to his redistricting sham did not include the fraudulent wording he plans to present voters." What Happens Next California Democrats plan to unveil proposed new congressional maps by the end of next week and launch a voter-facing campaign tied to a constitutional amendment that would make any legislature-approved maps temporary for the 2026, 2028 and 2030 cycles, Newsom said.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Timelapse Shows Concrete Replacing Greenery in Africa's Most Populous City
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Cairo has seen rapid urban expansion to accommodate its nearly 20 million residents, with large-scale road and infrastructure projects peaking since President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi took power in 2014, often coming at the expense of the city's trees and green spaces. Newsweek has contacted Egypt's Ministry of Environment for comment. Why it Matters In Cairo, less dense upscale new districts and expanded cities boast landscaped green zones—visible in the new capital—while older, less affluent neighborhoods see their tree cover vanish, making green spaces vital for cooling unevenly distributed. Experts warn that climate change will exacerbate Egypt's arid climate with higher temperatures, erratic rainfall, rising seas, and worsening drought. Any reduction in Nile flows, combined with population growth, could deepen water scarcity and strain ties with Nile Basin neighbors. A satellite image captured in May shows part of Greater Cairo's lost greenery, including in the Warraq island. A satellite image captured in May shows part of Greater Cairo's lost greenery, including in the Warraq island. Google Earth Pro What To Know A Copernicus Sentinel Hub timelapse from 2016-2017 to August 2025 reveals how urban expansion replaced greenery across the Egyptian capital, also known as Greater Cairo, to include the adjacent Giza governorate. Al-Warraq Island, a largely agricultural Nile island between Cairo and Giza, home to over 100,000 residents, illustrates encroachments for a remodeling plan. Islanders have been staging protests against government plans and evictions. The island remains "under siege," as the government still seeks to transform the island into a global commercial hub, according to the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP). Some of Cairo's oldest districts are recognized for their unique urban and architectural heritage, such as the Maadi suburb along the Nile corniche, where the community is pushing back to prevent the loss of some of Egypt's most historic trees, such as the century-old Eucalyptus trees. Another major green suburb is Heliopolis, established in the beginning o the 20th century and home to some of the oldest trees, including ficus, acacia and palm trees. About 2,500 trees were cut down between 2019 and 2020 as part of road-widening works, Reuters reported. In 2021, a local heritage-preserving group said they tagged 341 endangered trees after prominent cultural celebrities to prevent their removal. Cairo lost roughly 910,000 square meters of green spaces between 2017 and 2020, according to local figures reported by the state-owned Ahram Online website. Egypt hosted the United Nations climate summit COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh in 2022 and if highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including increased heat stress and Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect—when cities become hotter than nearby rural areas because buildings and pavement trap heat and vegetation is limited, according to a 2025 assessment by Earth Systems and Environment. The government denied plans to cut iconic trees in old suburbs, though the scenes have become customary in streets for a few years. What People Are Saying Egyptian urban planner and researcher Ibrahim Ezeldin wrote in the Tahrir Institue for Middle East Policy (TIMEP) on June 4: "The answer requires reevaluating the main priorities and goals of development. There should be a shift away from top-down mega projects in favor of local, community-led, initiatives that prioritize the interests of the people regardless of the interests of government agencies and private investors." Egyptian Society of Landscape Architects (ESLA) in 2024: "The consequences of this vanishing green cover are far-reaching. The loss of trees and vegetation reduces the country's ability to sequester carbon dioxide, a key driver of global warming, and disrupts the delicate balance of local ecosystems. This, in turn, threatens the diverse array of plant and animal species that call these habitats home, further contributing to the erosion of Egypt's natural heritage." Egyptian Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad told Youm7 outlet in 2024: "Coordination was made with the Cairo Governorate to form a technical committee responsible for developing a comprehensive greening plan for the governorate, and to issue a decision prohibiting the cutting or excessive pruning of trees without consulting the committee, in coordination with the Ministry of Local Development and the Ministry of Agriculture on the greening file." Massive road construction projects have erased some of the oldest remaining green spaces in Egypt's capital. Massive road construction projects have erased some of the oldest remaining green spaces in Egypt's capital. Amr Nabil/AP Photo What Happens Next The Egyptian government launched a nationwide tree-planting initiative aiming at 100 million trees—roughly matching the country's population— a move that could curb deforestation impacts.
