Who could object to an Ellen Garrison Middle School?

I knew nothing of Ellen Garrison until the recent discussions of the possibility of naming our Middle School after her. What an amazing person she was and what an inspiring story. I was excited about the possibility. After all, we’ve named schools and other institutions after white men for centuries. It will take a very long time for people of color and women to catch up, but in our community naming our middle school after Ellen Garrison is a step in the right direction. Who could possibly object, I thought.

Well, it turns out enough people to challenge the idea in favor of naming the school Concord Middle School. What a wasted opportunity.

Barb Cone 

Strawberry Hill Road 

‘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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