Associated Press Published

Petition Seeks to Change Name of Stonewall Middle

Stonewall Jackson Middle School

An online petition seeking to change the name of Stonewall Jackson Middle School in Charleston is generating some discussion.

The school is named in memory of the Confederate military leader who was born in Clarksburg. The deadly shooting in Charleston, South Carolina, has started a national debate about the Confederate battle flag and public memorials dedicated to leaders of the Confederacy.

The man suspected in the church killings had posed in photographs with the Confederate flag.

The Charleston Daily Mail reports that the petition drive regarding the school’s name has sparked debate among alumni and residents.

The school’s enrollment of 554 pupils includes 220 black students.

The petition drive has not only driven debate, but it has given rise to another petition seeking to keep the school name.