Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : Middle school students in Montgomery County Public Schools are being taught about Francis Scott Key, the man who wrote what would become the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” However, there is now a push to rename Francis Scott Key Middle School due to allegations that Key was a racist slave owner.
The school district launched a review of all school names in 2019, identifying six schools that were named after slave owners, including Francis Scott Key Middle School. Activists argue that these names should be changed to reflect a more inclusive and diverse society.
However, some question the significance of changing the names of individual schools when the county itself is named after Richard Montgomery, who is also believed to have owned slaves. They argue that changing the names does not address the larger issue of honoring individuals with problematic pasts.
When it comes to Francis Scott Key, the situation is complicated. While he did own slaves, he also freed seven slaves during his lifetime and represented both slaves and slave owners as a lawyer. Key faced criticism even during his time, with abolitionists mocking “The Star-Spangled Banner” as the “Land of the Free and Home of the Oppressed.”
Statues of Key have been destroyed in several cities, including Georgetown, Washington, D.C., Houston, and San Francisco. Efforts are also underway to rename Francis Scott Key Hall at the University of Maryland.
Key’s legacy is complex, with some arguing that he was a man of contradictions, abhorring the slave trade while also struggling to envision a world with free Black citizens. Removing his name from public spaces may satisfy some, but it does not provide a nuanced understanding of history for young students.
The debate over renaming schools and removing statues reflects a larger trend of reevaluating historical figures and their legacies. While some argue for ideological purity in commemorating individuals, others believe that a more nuanced approach is necessary to understand the complexities of history.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the renaming of Francis Scott Key Middle School highlights the ongoing debate over how to address problematic historical figures. While Key’s ownership of slaves is undeniable, his legacy is complicated, and removing his name may oversimplify the complexities of history. The decision ultimately rests with the school district and the community it serves.