• Which decision-making approach would you use to resolve this ethical dilemma?
• How will you respond to the question below the ethical dilemma you selected?
Scenario: The School Name Change*You are a school board member for an urban school district. Most of the African American high school students in the district attend Thomas Jefferson, making it the only high school where minority students outnumber whites. Leaders—both black and white—from the neighborhood surrounding Jefferson High have requested that the district change the name of the school. They point out that the only black-majority high school in the district is named after someone who owned hundreds of slaves, had at least one child with a slave, and expressed racist views. However, some minority students and alumni defend the Jefferson name, noting that the school has a long, proud history and is nationally known for its marching band and debate team. You realize that renaming buildings that honor racist historical figures is a national trend. Yet, at the same time, you recognize that Thomas Jefferson holds a special place in American history. He was a primary author of the Declaration of Independence, a founding father, and is enshrined on Mt. Rushmore. Tonight the board will vote to accept or reject the neighborhood proposal. If accepted, the process of selecting a new name would begin. Possible replacements include abolitionists, local historical figures, Barack Obama, or the name of the neighborhood where the school is located. Will you vote for or against the proposal to change the name of Jefferson high school?*Inspired by actual events.
