Name new middle school for Ellen Garrison

The names of the Willard, Thoreau, Alcott, Peabody, and Sanborn schools remind students of the contributions of past Concordians. We propose that the new Concord Middle School be named “The Garrison School” in honor of Ellen Garrison.

Born in what is now known as “The Robbins House,” Ellen attended Concord public schools and as a teenager she signed civil rights petitions. After supporting antislavery causes in Boston, Ellen taught in Rhode Island. In 1863, she applied to teach formerly enslaved people, writing “I think it is our duty as a people to spend our lives in trying to elevate our own race.”

Nearly 90 years before Rosa Parks, Ellen refused to give up her seat in a Baltimore train station. Ellen sued the stationmaster. The Civil Rights Act of 1866 had recently passed ensuring that all citizens were allowed to sue in court. It is believed that Ellen’s suit was a test case, and established that blacks did have legal standing in court. Ellen went on to teach throughout the South and in Kansas before dying in California.

Due to Ellen’s courage, place in history, and dedication to education, it is fitting to name the new school in her honor.

Rob Morrison

Concord-Carlisle Human Rights Council

‘Concord Middle School’ fine — but not as good as ‘Ellen Garrison’

April 25, 2024

As a lifelong educator and parent of two Concord students I wanted to take a moment to comment on the current discussion surrounding the new middle school. A large portion of the commentary appears to follow the logic that, since the School Committee had a tie vote on whether to name the middle school after Concordian civil rights activist Ellen Garrison and then almost immediately voted 3-2 to name it something different, the community should not voice our disagreement.

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White Concordians should back ‘Ellen Garrison’ school naming

April 25, 2024

I am writing as a Concord resident, mother of three school-aged children (one in middle school), and a career teacher.

As a white adult who has the privilege of working with young people, I feel it is imperative upon me to do my own work around issues involving diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

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