Mixed opinions on renaming Victoria, B.C., school because namesake supported segregation

If a school is named after a man few people remember, but who encouraged racist policies, should that name be changed?

Angela Carmichael thinks so. She'sthe president of the Parents' Advisory Council at cole George Jay Elementary School in Victoria, B.C., and is leading the charge to rename the school.

George Jay chaired the Victoria school board from 1907 to 1934. Heencouraged segregationist policies tokeepChinese students separate from Caucasian students, includingtesting for English languageproficiency.

So the school board launched an online survey on the possibilityof renamingin October, resulting in2,500 responseseven though there are only 410 students at the school. Results from that survey have not been released.

The next step is an open houseto be held Wednesday evening.

Carmichael says she didn'tknow who George Jay was until recently, but that's no reason to carry on his name. She wants to bring his story out into the opensokids know who he wasand acknowledge that they can be better.

"I just want to be part of the change that says we will not stand for racism during any time in our history. And we know better, so we should do better," said Carmichael.

Not all parents areas sure about the renaming. Some said they're still learning about George Jayso it's too early to form an opinion. Others say it's probably the right thing to do, but they're glad the school board is taking its time withconsultations.

One man hugged Carmichael to thank her for standing up for all students, including his children of Chinese descent.

At the Chinese Community Services Centre in Victoria's Chinatown, Nora Butz is conflicted. She went to George Jay School in the 1950s, after immigrating from Hong Kong. She said she had no idea who George Jay was, or what his policies had been.

"Many of ushad our first English classes there," she said, "so for usit's kind of nostalgicbecause that was our school."

Butz says you can't change history, butrenaming the school could be part of acknowledging it. Still, she's notconvinced it's necessary.

Community members can have their say at Wednesday's open house at the schoollocated at 1118 Princess Ave. in Victoria from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.If the board decides in favour of renaming,there will be a separate process to choose a new name.