Virginia's Divisive Confederate Concepts; Youngkin, Trump on VSU Debate; Jay Jones Endorsements for AG 2025; Goldman at Crusade for Voters
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Divisive Concepts: How a Virginia School Board Re-Re-Named a School After Defenders of Slavery
On the same week Virginia’s Governor moved to keep the tax exemption for the Daughters of the Confederacy, a school board in Virginia voted to re-rename a school after confederate soldiers who fought to maintain slavery.
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By Nathaniel Cline for the Virginia Mercury | Proud and satisfied, or sad and embarrassed. However citizens of the commonwealth view Shenandoah County School Board’s recent decision, Virginia appears to be the first in the nation to restore Confederate school names, after years of vigorous community engagement, a controversial renaming process, and a change in board priorities related to race, diversity and inclusion.
On May 10, the Shenandoah County School Board reversed a 2020 decision by a previous board to rebrand two schools previously named after Confederate Generals Turner Ashby, Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. In 2021, the schools on the division’s “southern campus” that included North Fork Middle were renamed from Stonewall Jackson High School to Mountain View, and Ashby-Lee Elementary School to Honey Run.
To some, the Confederacy represents a heritage of Southerners’ courage against the federal Union and fighting for the rights of southern states. Others view the Confederacy as defenders of slavery and a foundational aspect of America’s history of racism. Read entire
According to recent data from the Department of Education, white students make up most of the total student enrollment in Shenandoah schools at 73%, ahead of Black students at 29% and Hispanic pupils at 17%.
Trump, Youngkin Support Debate at Virginia State, Team Biden Remains Silent
Virginia State University was set to the be the first historically Black college or university to host a presidential debate in history. But last week President announced he was withdrawing from debates set up by the Commission on Presidential Debates which selected Virginia State University as a location. Instead Biden agreed to debate on CNN and ABC.
RELATED: Taking Presidential Debates out of Commission’s Hands Virtually Guarantees Fewer Viewers (AP, May 2024)
A May 15 statement by Virginia State University indicates that school officials found out in the media that the historic debate might be cancelled.
“Virginia State University is disappointed to hear media reports suggesting that the U.S. presidential candidates may not participate in the scheduled October 1, 2024, debate at VSU. A presidential debate at VSU is a huge win, not only for our students and campus community but for the greater community in general. As the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) ever selected to host a General Election U.S. Presidential Debate, VSU recognizes the event's significance and welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the democratic process,” the statement by Virginia State read.
“We will continue to work closely with the Commission on Presidential Debates and other stakeholders as we assess this situation. VSU will continue to provide updates and further details as they become available,” the release concluded.
Commission on Presidential Debates co-founder Frank Fahrenkopf was highly critical of Biden advisor Anita Dunn saying, “I know where all this is coming [from] — this is Anita Dunn,” Fahrenkopf told “Playbook Deep Dive” podcast on May 17.
“Anita hates us and always has,” Fahrenkopf added. “She was against the commission for years and years and years,” he added. Whether the Biden campaign will respond regarding a debate at Virginia State University is unknown. No statement regarding debates has mentioned the HBCU so far.
At Morehouse’s graduation yesterday in Atlanta, President Biden announced $16 billion in new investments for historically Black colleges and universities as his campaign e-mailed a detailed rundown of appropriations by Congress to HBCUs as allocated by Congress, with U.S. House Education committee ranking Bobby Scott and Appropriations ranking member Rosa DeLauro quarterbacking those decisions.
Late last week Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Donald Trump posted support for the idea for a debate at Virginia State University.
Jay Jones Announces More Support for Attorney General in 2025
Loudoun County Board Chairwoman Phyllis Randall and Senator Barbara Favola, along with three other Northern Virginia leaders, have announced their support for Jay Jones to seek the Democratic nomination for Attorney General in 2025.
"I am proud to join the growing list of more than 70 current and former elected leaders from across the Commonwealth urging Jay Jones to run for Attorney General. Jay is not only the best candidate to defeat Republican extremism at the polls next November, but he is also the best leader to protect Virginians' freedoms, safety, and well-being as our Attorney General… I wholeheartedly endorse him to be our next Attorney General,” said Senator Favola in a statement sent out by Virginians for Jay Jones.
“Jay will continually strive to ensure all Virginians have access to a justice system that protects their rights and respects their choices. I offer my enthusiastic support of Jay and look forward to his leadership to move Virginia's Attorney General’s Office forward,” said Chairwoman Randall
Other elected officials supporting Jones for Attorney General in 2025 are Senator Mamie Locke, Senator Angelia Williams Graves, Senator Lashrecse Aird, Delegate Alex Askew, former Governor Ralph Northam, Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano, Delegate Nadarius Clark, Delegate Cliff Hayes, Delegate Marcia Price and Delegate Candi King, along with 30+ other current and former elected officials.
Photos: Rep. Scott, Senator Rouse
State Senator Aaron Rouse (and 2025 candidate for LG) attended the Springfield Democrat 23rd Annual Blue BBQ on May 18 and ran into Congressman Bobby Scott at the Old Dominion Bar’s event in Virginia Beach. The Old Dominion Bar installed Hampton attorney Rex Flynn as their 39th President yesterday.
Video: Candidates for Congress for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District Debate
Rappahannock News posted a video of the candidates debating in the crowded contest for the 10th congressional district.
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