Keep the name of Sidney C. Lanier High School in Austin, TX

There is an initiative underway in Austin to rename schools whose namesakes have Confederate connections. Sidney Lanier was a distinguished professor, poet and musician but some seem to think that the name should be changed regardless. Several members of the class of 1965 have appeared before the school board and are attempting a petition drive to dissuade AISD.

Sidney Lanier was far from a war hero, but he did visit Texas much later in life and did not make a donation to AISD so he could have his name on a school. He was far more recognized as a flautist than a soldier but is mostly remembered as a poet of life in the south, reflecting all races.

We are collecting signatures, to present to the school board of Austin ISD for any allumni who cannot be present at the next school board meeting.