According to an online survey conducted by Guilford County Schools. Opinions differed at last night’s school board meeting, where the topic of whether or not to rename the middles school named after turn-of-the-century Gov. William B. Aycock due to his segregationist views was discussed:

About 17 people spoke, some of them alumni of the school. Others live in the Aycock neighborhood. Some were just concerned about the message that changing the name — or not changing it — would send to children who are now being educated at Aycock.

“In removing Mr. Aycock’s name from our school buildings, we run the risk of censoring our history by eliminating any hint of actions that are considered offensive in today’s social climate,” Gary Swing said. “Instead of changing the school’s name, let us use Mr. Aycock’s legacy as a teaching opportunity for our current students and generations to come.”

The Rev. Helen Terry said the money that would be spent on renaming the school could be used to pay for textbooks, of which there is a shortage, or other school supplies.

“Make Charles B. Aycock a teachable moment,” she said. “Teach our children about their history. Because until the hearts and minds of the people are changed, everything remains the same.”

Something to keep in mind here—-the board member spearheading this change—board vice chair Amos Quick—is leaving the board to represent the District 58 in the state House of Representatives, part of a big shakeup on the GCS board.