The Renton School Board of Directors have yet to take an official stance on the Pro Justice Unions letter of request to change the name of Charles Augustus Lindbergh High School, last May. The letter was signed by students, staff, community members and alumni requested the name be changed following the current school board policy.

Pro Justice Union President Holly Hamilton received an update from School Board President Dr. Avanti Bergquist after Hamilton inquired on September 13, 2022 on the status. Dr. Bergquist stated on September 14, 2022 “We continue to take your proposal under advisement.” No other mention on how they are under advisement as Hilltop Heritage, the new elementary by Hazen was given its name in less than two months.

Some believe Lindbergh was known to be a white supremacist and a Nazi-sympathize. Known widely for his transatlantic flight from New York to Paris in 1927, Lindbergh earned him stardom receiving a Medal of Honor from President Calvin Coolidge and Man of the Year honors in 1928.

Lindbergh’s downfall began in 1936 when he was asked to report on the state of Germany’s military aviation program including touring German factories, sttate of the art bombers and the increase of airfields. In October 1938 received the Service Cross of the German Eagles for his contribution to aviation. News spread of the American Hero wearing the Nazi decoration. A month later, Germans attacked the Jewish population known as Kristallnacht. Hilters massacre against the Jewish and Lindbergh was American so many people got frustrated with Lindbergh for even helping Germany.

Not only did he help Germany with their planes, he also came back to America and told everyone there was no reason for war. On September 11, 1941, he made a speech in Des Moines, Iowa in front of 8,000 people. The Des Moines Speech, was the downfall of his heroism by stating, “there were three groups pressing the country toward war, he said–the British, the Roosevelt Administration, and the Jews.”

Fallout happening across the country was enormous according to the PBS Film on Lindbergh aired in 1990. In Charlotte, North Carolina, the name of “Lindbergh Drive” was changed. Trans World Airlines stopped calling itself the “Lindbergh Line.” And back in his hometown of Little Falls, Minnesota, a water tower that proclaimed his birthplace was quietly painted over.

Today there are two Lindbergh High Schools including St. Louis, Missouri. A school who has tried to change the name.

(Information for this story was compiled from previous research from an over year long project of multiple Egalitarian staff).