Put students first

Lanier Middle School’s parent-teacher organization presented to the HISD school board the results of a survey in which 90 percent of students said the school should not change its name (“Cam- pus, community debate Lanier’s Confederate role,” Page B1, Feb. 4). But who cares what the students think?

And HISD is suffering financial problems to the tune of $107 million. So what? It will cost only $2 million to change the signage. If they are hell-bent on spending $2 million, why not buy books and hire tutors for disadvantaged students regardless of race?

“I’ll take dignity over dollars,” said trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones with bravado. Of course she will; it’s not her money.

Houston has the best racial relationships of any major city in the nation. That’s why Houston has not suffered the indignities of Chicago, St. Louis, etc. Now, a handful of trustees are trying to make a name for themselves. I thought trustees were supposed to represent the students.

Mark Wilson, Houston