MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis School Board members passed a proposal Tuesday to rename Patrick Henry High School, a move that comes years into community ire directed at the school's namesake.
The school, located in the city's north side Camden neighborhood, will officially become known as Camden High School by July 1, 2024. The school board settled on Camden, a Scottish word meaning "winding valley," not only because of its location but also because it's not representative of any particular person.
The path to rename the school was first forged in 2018, when community members expressed their concerns about the legacy of former Virginia governor and "Founding Father," Patrick Henry. While Henry is perhaps most well known for delivering the famous line, "Give me liberty or give me death," he was also known for owning slaves.
At the time a name change was first floated, a supporter told KARE 11, "I feel like he's not a person who represents me the way I identify as — the way my peers identify as."
But the impending vote was ultimately postponed, following hours of debate between students and staff. It wasn't until years later in August of 2022 that the school board voted to move forward with the transition. Since then, the district has sought and collected input from the community and student groups, bringing it to the body's Tuesday decision.
The official resolution put forth by Minneapolis Public Schools said the district "believes that a school name should be inspirational and welcoming to all students."
"Camden" was among two finalists sent to the district for review, beating out "Victory High School" in the end.
In its presentation to the school board, district officials said their next steps will include decisions regarding the school's colors, mascot and branding, while also creating a multi-year budget plan to successfully implement the change.
The school is just the latest in Minnesota to get a new name, most recently, following in the footsteps of Minneapolis' Las Estrellas and Ella Baker schools, formerly Sheridan and Jefferson, respectively.
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