Gwinnett’s new school-naming policy considers historically underrepresented communities

Gwinnett County’s school board unanimously adopted new rules for naming schools and other district buildings that ask committees to consider people who reflect historically underrepresented communities, the first change since 1998.

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Under the policy, a committee of five to seven people, including a student, a parent and the area’s board member, now recommends names for new or renamed schools, stadiums and other large facilities. The board still gives final approval.

Board member Rachel Ruffin Stone told Channel 2 Gwinnett County bureau chief Matt Johnson the rules went unchanged for nearly three decades while the county changed around them, and that the new policy centers on community engagement and representation.

Anyone can nominate a name in writing with a sponsor and a reason. Committees are asked to consider local communities, neighborhoods, streets, landmarks and people who made a significant contribution and reflect historically underrepresented communities and identities.

That last line drew the debate.

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“Every student should be able to look at the name on their school and see someone who looks like them, who is in their community, or from their community,” Stone said.

Board member Steve Knudsen asked to end the line at “significant contribution.”

“You’re saying to certain members of our community, you’re going to be considered less, which to me is not equitable,” Knudsen said.

Board Chair Dr. Tarece Johnson-Morgan said the line is something to consider, not a requirement.

“The wording in this is not a wording around race. The wording is about marginalization, underrepresentation,” Johnson-Morgan said.

Vice Chair Dr. Adrienne Simmons said she learned the name of the district’s newest school, Mary Kay Murphy Middle, in a phone call from administrators.

Gwinnett NAACP President Edward Paul said he supports honoring communities that have long been overlooked, but he worries a future board could turn the policy against them.

“We want it to be based off merit. You know, as Black people, we don’t need any special set-asides put out for us,” Paul said.

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