Local Schools Are Reinstating Their Racist Names episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 9, 2026 · 19 MIN

Local Schools Are Reinstating Their Racist Names

from City Cast DC · host City Cast

After 2020, there was a huge trend towards changing out schools named for confederates and slave owners. But what happens when the general public opts to restore them? That’s what’s been happening in some Virginia counties just beyond the DC area — and the fight is creating some case law that could ultimately affect those of us who live here, in a place where folks absolutely aren’t trying to restore those kinds of names on local schools. Karina Elwood, who covered some of the legal battles when she was a reporter for the Washington Post, is here to explain.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 9th episode: Library of Congress Nace Law Group Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Museum of Art Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

After 2020, there was a huge trend towards changing out schools named for confederates and slave owners. But what happens when the general public opts to restore them? That’s what’s been happening in some Virginia counties just beyond the DC area — and the fight is creating some case law that could ultimately affect those of us who live here, in a place where folks absolutely aren’t trying to restore those kinds of names on local schools. Karina Elwood, who covered some of the legal battles when she was a reporter for the Washington Post, is here to explain.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 9th episode: Library of Congress Nace Law Group Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Museum of Art Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

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Local Schools Are Reinstating Their Racist Names

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This episode was published on February 9, 2026.

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After 2020, there was a huge trend towards changing out schools named for confederates and slave owners. But what happens when the general public opts to restore them? That’s what’s been happening in some Virginia counties just beyond the DC area —...

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