Confederacy, Schools & Legal Challenges – The New York Times

(Shenandoah County, Virginia, December 23, 2025) – A lawsuit challenging the names of Stonewall Jackson High School and Ashby Lee Elementary School in Shenandoah County, Virginia, has concluded, but a verdict is not expected for several months, according to reporting from The Winchester Star and WVVA.

A legal challenge to the Confederate names of two Shenandoah County schools has ended, leaving the future of the names uncertain pending a judge’s decision.

• A lawsuit was filed contesting the names of Stonewall Jackson High School and Ashby Lee Elementary school.
• The trial has concluded, with testimony from school board members, but a decision from the judge is anticipated in 2026.
• The case centers on arguments regarding the appropriateness of honoring Confederate figures in public schools.

The Lawsuit and Testimony

The trial, which concluded recently, involved testimony from members of the Shenandoah County School Board, as reported by WMRA. The lawsuit argues that the continued use of the names of Confederate figures is harmful and inappropriate for a public school setting.

According to The New York Times, the case represents a broader trend of communities grappling with the legacy of the Confederacy and its symbols. The names of the schools have been a source of contention for years, with advocates calling for a change to reflect a more inclusive habitat.

Did you know? – Stonewall Jackson and Turner Ashby were both Confederate generals. Jackson was a military tactician, while Ashby was a cavalry commander known for his scouting abilities.

Confederate names and Ongoing Debate

The debate over Confederate symbols in public spaces, including school names, has intensified in recent years, especially following the events of 2020. The City Journal notes that these “naming wars” often involve complex arguments about history, heritage, and the need to address racial injustice.

The Shenandoah County case is one of many across the South where communities are re-evaluating their relationship with the Confederacy. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar challenges in other jurisdictions.

Pro tip – School name changes frequently enough require meaningful community engagement. Boards typically hold public forums and consider petitions before making a final decision.

What This means for You

For students, parents, and community members in Shenandoah County, the outcome of this lawsuit will have a direct impact on the learning environment and the message conveyed by the school names. A decision to change the names could signal a commitment to inclusivity and a rejection of Confederate symbolism, while a decision to retain the names could reinforce existing divisions.

Time.news based this report in part on reporting by The New York Times, City Journal, The Winchester Star, WMRA, and WVVA and added autonomous analysis and context.