December 1, 2020 Edward H. Sebesta XXXXXXXXXXX Dallas, TX 75xxx edwardsebesta@gmail.com Justin Henry President Dallas Independent Board of Trustees Board Services Office 5151 Samuell Blvd. Dallas, TX 75228 Dear Mr. Henry: Please find enclosed a Dallas Herald editorial (April 18, 1937) written by Tom C. Gooch for whom Tom C. Gooch Elementary School is named after and a Dallas Morning News article (Feb. 19, 1939, page 5) written by Richard T. Hill for whom Richard T. Hill Middle School is named. You will note in both items, Gooch’s and Hill’s, vehement opposition to federal anti-lynching legislation is expressed. Both Gooch and Hill were opponents of civil rights in general. Gooch was a supporter of the racist congressman Hatton W. Sumners and his opposition against civil rights during Sumners career. Neither Gooch or Hill should be honored by having anything named after them, in particular a school in the Dallas Independent School District (DISD). Their opposition against federal anti-lynching legislation certainly makes a statement against the value of African American life. I ask that both schools be given new names of persons who weren’t white supremacists. Neither Richard T. Hill or Tom C. Gooch were in the Confederate military or were members of the Confederate government or even alive when the Confederacy existed. The unfortunate practice of DISD honoring white supremacists doesn’t start and stop with those associated with the Confederacy. I think a serious review of all the DISD school names is warranted. Sincerely Yours,
Edward H. Sebesta CC: DISD trustees, Dan Miccichie, Edwin Flores, Karla Garcia, Dustin Marshall, Maxie Johnson, Joyce Foreman, Ben Mackey, Miguel Solis.