“My concern is not the name of John Tyler High School nor the name of Robert E. Lee High School. My concern as a school board member and as a retired educator is whether or not our students are receiving a quality education at John Tyler and at Robert E. Lee High School. Are they prepared for the rigor of college or some career in life?”

TYLER ISD TRUSTEE ORENTHIA MASON

“I’ve not heard of an opportunity to talk to (Rev. Mason) about this or anything. She has not reached out to people in my circle of influence, which I think is pretty broad. It feels like she’s out of touch with the community.”

JEFF WILLIAMS, CONSTITUENT IN MASON’S DISTRICT

“Ms. Mason was the drumbeater for changing the name of both (high schools). I’m shocked to see her say she would not support any name change while she is on the board. That’s a 180 from what she said in October. I would like to ask her point blank at the meeting what happened.”

ED MOORE, TYLER CITY COUNCILMAN

“I think history, heritage and legacy has a lot to do with the decision. So many people, black or white, don’t look at the name as much as their history, heritage and legacy tied to the high schools. Changing the name, in their minds, changes that.”

REV. JEROME R. MILTON, COMMUNITY LEADER, TEACHER AND PASTOR

“I think the best sentiment for me is not anger or frustration. I think the best way to describe it is disappointment. I’m disappointed in a lot of the players involved. It was a real opportunity for the city of Tyler to come together and make a statement on a civil rights issue, and it never really happened.”

MICHAEL MCCLENDON, TYLER ISD PARENT