Jefferson Middle School Renaming Process

Proposal Criteria

Per School Board Policy (6700), the public has a minimum 30-day window to submit proposals that meet the following criteria. 

1. What individuals/groups are proposing the name? What is the proposed name?
2. Madison Metropolitan School District schools may be named after a prominent national or local figure who is deceased, a locally significant geographical site, a place of local significance, or an idea or concept which represents a broadly respected civic virtue. Into which of these categories does the proposed name fall?
3. If the proposed name is a prominent local or national figure who is deceased, describe why this person is considered prominent. “Prominent” is defined as “widely and popularly known.”
4. If the proposed name is a prominent local or national figure who is deceased, what is the significance of the person specifically to the Madison Metropolitan School District that it should choose to name a school for this particular person over others of similar prominence?
5. If the proposed name is a locally significant geographical site or a place of local significance, what is the significance to the Madison Metropolitan School District? For what reason would the Madison Metropolitan School District choose to name a building for this particular geographical site or place of local significance?
6. If the proposed name is an idea or concept which is a broadly respected community value, what is the significance of this idea or concept to the Madison Metropolitan School District? For what reason would the Madison Metropolitan School District choose to name a building for this particular idea or concept? 

The window for submitting proposals closed on April 8, 2022.
 

Into which of these categories does the proposed name fall?
Prominent national or local figure who is deceased; Idea or concept which represents a broadly respected civic virtue

If the proposed name is a prominent local or national figure who is deceased, describe why this person is considered prominent. “Prominent” is defined as “widely and popularly known.”
Eston Hemings Jefferson was one of several children born to Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, and who became free in 1827. Eston, his wife, Julia Ann, and their family (children John Wayles, Anna and Beverly) moved to Madison and contributed significantly to the city’s history. Eston is buried, along with several other family members, at Forest Hill Cemetery. See website for Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home: https://www.monticello.org/getting-word/families/eston-hemings-jefferson-family
""When they [Eston Hemings and family] settled in Madison, Wisconsin, they changed their surname (to Jefferson) and their race, passing permanently into the white world. The Jefferson sons were popular figures in the state capital, first in the hotel trade and later in business and battle. In the Civil War, John Wayles Jefferson was chosen major in the 8th Wisconsin infantry regiment and rose to the rank of colonel...His brother, Beverly, owned the principal carriage and omnibus firm in Madison.""

If the proposed name is a prominent local or national figure who is deceased, what is the significance of the person specifically to the Madison Metropolitan School District that it should choose to name a school for this particular person over others of similar prominence?
See above

If the proposed name is an idea or concept which is a broadly respected community value, what is the significance of this idea or concept to the Madison Metropolitan School District? For what reason would the Madison Metropolitan School District choose to name a building for this particular idea or concept?
While some might argue that changing the school’s name to Eston Hemings Jefferson Middle School would reflect the advantages of “passing,” I contend, rather, that the name change would underscore (and help teach students about) the repugnant and complicated history slavery in America, while also honoring the struggles and achievements of the Eston Hemings Jefferson family.

Into which of these categories does the proposed name fall?
Prominent national or local figure who is deceased; Idea or concept which represents a broadly respected civic virtue

If the proposed name is a prominent local or national figure who is deceased, describe why this person is considered prominent. “Prominent” is defined as “widely and popularly known.”
Mr. Gillespie was born enslaved and became a civil rights pioneer in the state of Wisconsin when he sued the state for the right to vote, via Gillespie v. Palmer 1866 which ultimately granted the rights for Blacks to vote here in the state.

If the proposed name is a prominent local or national figure who is deceased, what is the significance of the person specifically to the Madison Metropolitan School District that it should choose to name a school for this particular person over others of similar prominence?
The school district has invested in Black excellence and yet the stories of many local, prominent Black leaders through history remain unknown.  The school is named currently for a former slave trafficker (Thomas Jefferson), so it seems even more fitting that a formerly enslaved person, who did such a vital task in trying to ensure the voting rights of Black people in this state should be on the name of the school and his story widely known and heard about by the people of this state. He is the embodiment of local-Wisconsin Black history.

If the proposed name is an idea or concept which is a broadly respected community value, what is the significance of this idea or concept to the Madison Metropolitan School District? For what reason would the Madison Metropolitan School District choose to name a building for this particular idea or concept?
Voting rights are one of the most issues for all of us.  The preservation of the democracy and what our democracy means is tied to the rights of all people to have the ability to vote.  Through honoring Mr. Gillespie and telling what is known of his story we affirm the importance of this idea and the importance of democracy for all.
 

Into which of these categories does the proposed name fall?
Prominent national or local figure who is deceased

If the proposed name is a prominent local or national figure who is deceased, describe why this person is considered prominent. “Prominent” is defined as “widely and popularly known.”
Sally Hemings is prominent because she bore four children by Thomas Jefferson who survived into adulthood, one of whom moved to Madison, Wi with his family, one of whom was an officer in the Civil War.  Although I am against renaming the school as children can learn history from the name of a founding father,  the name Sally Hemings would also bring this history to light without honoring a slaveholder.

If the proposed name is a prominent local or national figure who is deceased, what is the significance of the person specifically to the Madison Metropolitan School District that it should choose to name a school for this particular person over others of similar prominence?
The significance is that the grandchildren of Sally Hemings attended school in Madison. It would be wonderful for children in the school here to trace the history of this family who research shows made major contributions to the community. They changed their surnames to Jefferson;  the father who is buried here shared his violin music and construction work as he was a master carpenter.

If the proposed name is a locally significant geographical site or a place of local significance, what is the significance to the Madison Metropolitan School District? For what reason would the Madison Metropolitan School District choose to name a building for this particular geographical site or place of local significance?
The significance is that the family of Thomas Jefferson moved and lived full lives in Madison, with at least the son buried at Forest Hill Cemetery.

If the proposed name is an idea or concept which is a broadly respected community value, what is the significance of this idea or concept to the Madison Metropolitan School District? For what reason would the Madison Metropolitan School District choose to name a building for this particular idea or concept?
Many are displeased at the loss of the name of Thomas Jefferson for the school related to his contributions to this nation. To name the school  for this woman who bore his children and who was the half sister of his late wife restores some of the history which is fascinating and recorded in historical documents published in Madison.

Into which of these categories does the proposed name fall?
Prominent national or local figure who is deceased

If the proposed name is a prominent local or national figure who is deceased, describe why this person is considered prominent. “Prominent” is defined as “widely and popularly known.”
Very famous author, poet, civil rights activist

If the proposed name is a prominent local or national figure who is deceased, what is the significance of the person specifically to the Madison Metropolitan School District that it should choose to name a school for this particular person over others of similar prominence?
She touched the lives of many people. She is very well known. Maya Angelou had a unique and wise voice that has continued to incite change after her death. She is a positive role model. A woman of minority with many academic accomplishments.