Professor Fuels Battle to Change School's Name from Founder of the Klan Continued from the front Some students also learned that prior attempts had been made in the past to change the name of Forrest High, but were unsuccessful and ignored. When Stoll was asked why previous attempts to make changes were not successful he responded, "There was not enough support or consistency." Stoll has met with the School Board on many occasions and has shared the information with other mediums and in his opinion, has received nothing but opposition and negativity. "The response of the media and the community has really made me question the medias obligation to inform the people with unbiased information." He said. Stoll said he feels that the community at large has been insensitive by questioning the reasoning behind the students drive to have the name of Forrest High changed. "It's not about black and white, it's about what's right and wrong," said Stoll. Many have written editorials against Stoll's efforts. Many respon- ders criticize Stoll for his opinion of Nathan B. Forrest and claim that Forrest was a nice slave owner and his greatness was evident in his abilities as a war general. Stoll said "If I was a survivor of the Holocaust and wrote about the con- centration camps, would they search for the 'other side' of the story to say that the Holocaust was- n't that bad?" Parents in attendance at the Advisory Counsel meeting were on both sides of the fence. Some were nonchalant and felt no responsibili- ty for the school name while others were supportive of the proposed Parents Encouraged to Attend Weekly Magnet Programs Information Seminars Thursday evening, parents gath- ered to attend a convenient and cen- trally located meeting to learn more about the educational choices avail- able in Duval County. Parent Information Sessions are held on Thursday in January and February to provide parents with important information about Magnet Programs. The evening meetings are scheduled from 6:30 8:30 p.m. in the Cline Auditorium of the Duval County Public Schools Administration Building, at 1701 Prudential Drive. "Last year's weekly sessions were very successful and we found par- ents to be well informed," said Dr. Sally Hague,, Director, School Choice and Pupil Assignment. "Making a decision about which program and school is best for your child is important and our goal is to have every parent leave the sessions armed with accurate information." The Sedwick and Shashi families took advantage of the opportunity to learn about other educational options in Duval County. The Sedwicks shopped for a middle school and were intrigued by pro- gram continuity possibilities from elementary to high school. The Shashis, who attended with their daughter, showed interest in the ele- mentary programs for the academi- cally talented. "We moved here last summer and we're just learning about *--. magnets," said Mrs. Shashi. "The staff has been very helpful and addressed all of our con- cerns about theme streams, transportation and applying." Representatives from the Duval County Magnet Programs will be avail- able at each meeting to Information sessions allow one on one info for showcase the array of parents and students with administrators. school choices and to dis- T . cuss program themes, transporta- tion options, requirements and deadlines. Families will also learn about the new online application process. This is the first year par- ents can register their children online for the magnet programs. Paper applications, however, are still available. The Magnets & More! 2007-2008 Reference Guide, information ses- sions, and other resources have been developed to help families learn about magnet programs and school choice options. Use of these tools and taking a school tour will help families choose the right pro- gram for their child to explore a theme or focus that sparks their interest. The largest event of the season, The Magnets and More! School Choice Expo will be Saturday, January 20, from 11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m., in the Jacksonville Fairgrounds. ITe magnet programs enrollment season ends February 28, 2007. Duval County Public Schools' magnet programs began in 1991, and are nationally acclaimed as a school choice program. School choice programs serve more than 30,000 students offering options that include charter schools; special academic programs; career acade- mies and the magnet programs. The magnet themes offered by schools range from aviation to visu- al and performing arts. For more information visit the websites mag- netprograms.com and www.duval- choice.com. Parent Information Sessions are held every Thursday in January and February from 6:30 8:30 p.m. in the Duval County Public Schools Administration Building Cline Auditorium change. "I don't care if they change the name or not" and "there are bigger problems" are some of the apathet- ic responses to the quest said at the meeting. According to Stoll the principal of Forrest has not shown much sup- port or interest in the efforts to change the schools name when approximately 51% of the student body is Black. "Principal Kirkpatrick's thoughts were concerning expenses and costs of changing the schools names. She questioned how they would pay for new jerseys etc." said Stoll. However there were many at the meeting in support of Stoll. In order to make this project a success, "we need continuous action and signifi- cant numbers," said Stoll. According DCSB rules, to change the name of any school requires cer- tair criterion including being deceased; outstanding contributions or service to the Duval educational system for a period not less than 10 years and good moral character. Stoll's research concludes that Forrest never set foot in Jacksonville or even the state of Florida. He was originally from Tennessee. Nathan B. Forrest was not an educator. He was in fact a slave trader. He murdered free Black soldiers in cold blood and was the first Grand Wizard of the KKK which denied Blacks there rights under the constitution. According to the requirements the School Board has set Stoll strongly questions how the School Board could not agree with the need to change the name of Forrest High school. "This is political pandering. They don't want to shake the boat," said Stoll. "Where is the outrage!" comment- ed Stoll. Forrest High "represents hate and racism to me, Blacks and everybody at the time it was found- ed." "Martin would be rolling in his grave" Stoll said in mention of Dr. Martin Luther King. "Instead of saying 'What Would Jesus Do' we should be asking ourselves, What Would Martin Do'." Stoll speculates that a school name that brings pride will help the stu- dent perform better academically. He and his students have suggested naming the school Scott Speicher High after the Navy Pilot that has been missing since the 70's Gulf War who was a graduate of Forrest High school. An alternative suggestion was 103rd Street High. The suggested name that also fits the criterion of the School Board is Eartha White High School. She was involved with educating in Jacksonville, and throughout her life made enormous contributions to the city. The next School Board advisory Counsel meeting will be held on January 29 at Cedar Hills school. An active way to celebrate the approaching Black History month is by supporting a cause. Participate in a change. Stoll and his students need numbers of faces advocating the name change of Forrest High school. The attendance of those who are driven to pursue justice is welcomed. a GROCERY WAREHOUSE IOROCERY WAREHOUSE ]refl o.=sPOi c L su -- ma__et Nice 5for m $r4 2 for 4 Prices Effective: January 18th through January 23rd, 2007 'S" We GladyAxcept VISA, Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday TuesdayA nal= BDsovmT 18 19 20 21 22 23 --m- r--pr JACKSONVILLE LOCATIONS: 1012 N. Edgewood Ave., Tel. 904-786-2421 5134 Firestone Road, Tel. 904-771-0426 201 W. 48th St., Tel. 904-764-6178 Black History Month Kickoff Reception Black History Month Reception and Auction Black History Month Cultural Festival Contemporary African-American Artists Florida's Highwaymen: Legendary Landscapes Afroprovocations Ladysmith Black Mombazo Harlem Globetrotters 2007 Tour Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre The Riley House. C.K. Steele Memorial. The Union Bank Building. These are only a few of the historic homes and civil rights monuments that enrich Tallahassee's Black Heritage. We invite you to come and join us in the capital city in celebration of Black History Month. The Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre and the Black History Month festival itself are merely a couple highlights of our celebration. For more information about our Black Heritage events, call 1-866-628-2866 or go to VisitTallahassee.com. HLAHASSEE Go to \V'i;itTa I I hah e e.on /b h rn :'t ~: ; - '-;' I -~;_ ?.-r L .:I ' Zis :P' ,r. f- Ms. Perry's Free Press Page 3' January 18-24, 2007