Thames Valley District School Board Trustees supported changing the name of F.D. Roosevelt Public School to Forest City Public School at the Board Meeting on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. F.D. Roosevelt Public School was part of a broad review of all schools named after individuals to ensure they reflect the Board's commitment to human rights, equity and inclusive learning environments.
TVDSB undertook the renaming process because of F.D. Roosevelt's historical connection to racism and controversial approach to Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, which are inconsistent with the school board's values and commitments to human rights and equity. As an American historical political figure, Roosevelt's legacy also has limited relevance to the TVDSB community.
The new name was chosen using the Board's public process for renaming schools. School community members were invited to submit suggestions to replace the F.D. Roosevelt name. A Selection Committee made up of school members, trustees and First Nations community members then selected a short list of three names which were put forward to the school community to vote on. Forest City Public School was the first choice of survey respondents, receiving 51% of the votes.
"We want to thank the selection committee and school community for taking part in this renaming process. We appreciate everyone's thoughtful consideration and collaboration to select a name that reflects TVDSB's commitment to creating safe and welcoming learning environments for all students and staff", says Trustees Leroy Osbourne and Marianne Larsen.
Plans are underway to update school signage, logo and mascot.
