San Francisco school board decided on Tuesday to remove the names of famous American leaders, having decided that these leaders were unworthy of the honor.

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A pedestrian walks by a mural outside of Abraham Lincoln High School on December 17, 2020 in San Francisco, California. A San Francisco school names advisory committee is recommending to remove Abraham Lincoln’s name from San Francisco's Abraham Lincoln High School for the 16th President's past treatment of Native Americans.

San Francisco schools remove names of leaders

On Tuesday, January 26, 2021, the San Francisco school board concluded on a 6-1 vote on renaming public schools, which includes George Washington and Abraham Lincoln High Schools after considering them and other known figures together with Sen. Dianne Feinstein as unworthy of the honor, according to CBS News.

This decision of the San Francisco Board of Education has affected one-third of the district's 125 schools, which came almost three years after the board deemed the idea.

The reason behind this objectionable names, is the unravelling of the dark past that the country once had, and the mentioned names were names of prominent figures who were subjected to have ties with slavery, oppression, or racism.

Moreover, Feinstein was added to the list because she replaced a vandalized confederate flag as the city's mayor. The decision of the San Francisco school board was unanimous, wherein there was no opposition that happened.

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Decision of board criticized

Meanwhile, critics perceived the decision as rushed and flaws were seen during the decision, specifically the lack of information basis for each recommendation and there was no sign of citation from a historian, according to Cleveland report.

Furthermore, the focus on renaming the school amidst this health crisis (the pandemic), the San Francisco Mayor London Breed stated that it is offensive for the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), he called the decision as ill-timed.

Considering the fact that there would be a compromised effect on the students, San Francisco parents and some people who were affected criticized the board's decision for being more aware of symbolism rather than the current struggles that the students are facing, such as academic, social and emotional struggles.

On Wednesday, Breed said that this is an important conversation and as a citizen they should be involved in their communities, families, and our students.

He cannot ponder why the School Board has an advance plan on renaming the school by April, but has no plan on getting the students back to school.

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San Francisco school board defends their decision

However, the School Board argued that the district could do all priorities at the same, and the renaming of school is relevant and significant considering the country's racial reckoning. The school board added, that it is not just symbolic but also a moral message.

The new name for the school must adhere to a set of guidelines, making sure that there will be no names that has connection to slavery, racism, or any immoral acts that could violate human rights.