Editor, Gazette-Journal:

The Mathews County School Board met last week to discuss two major issues: renaming Lee-Jackson School, and reopening our schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. I hope I speak for many in expressing my appreciation for the courage of those who serve on the school board during this difficult time.

Regarding reopening schools, there are no good choices. By considering the safety of children and teachers first, you will have done your best, and this has to be the priority for the school board now.

Regarding the renaming of Lee-Jackson School, I believe the issue is not whether Confederate flags and leaders are part of our heritage and history. Of course they are.

But our history also includes violent policies used against Native Americans to take their land and destroy their tribes. It includes the practice of slavery, which provided the economic infrastructure for Southern states’ prosperity.

It includes violence against women who marched in suppor...