Prince William upholds decision to change name of middle school

WOODBRIDGE, Va. - The Prince William County School Board is standing by its decision to change the name of a middle school whose current namesake was a Virginia segregationist.

The board met Wednesday night and voted after heated and passionate arguments were made on both sides. The decision would rename Godwin Middle School after African-American community leader George Hampton.

Hampton's name would replace that of former Virginia Gov. Mills Godwin, who in his day supported segregation.

A new elementary school will be named after fallen Prince William County firefighter Kyle Wilson.

Some argued that the named change was being made without public input. Others say that the name change will positively benefit the county.

The change will be put into place later this year.