Strange news from Wisconsin. A student at James Madison Memorial High School in Madison has petitioned to have the name of her school changed, arguing, “The significance of this name in association with my school has a negative effect on memorials [sic] black students. The lack of representation I feel in this school makes me feel more than unsafe.” To date, the petition has received more than 1,500 signatures.
This is a small action, but it is motivated by a principle that is becoming more and more popular: Public memorials to historical figures need to be evaluated not just on the figures’ contributions to civil society, but their other beliefs and actions, especially regarding the matter of slavery. If this view were adopted, it would have sweeping consequences. If the name of James Madison must be struck from public buildings, schools, and towns because he owned slaves, what about George Washington? What about Thomas Jefferson? James Monroe? John Marshall? Henry Clay? Andrew Jackson? The list of names that would have to be removed from public places goes on and on; it would mean thousands of new names required all across the country.
