Student Stands Firm On Controversial Art Project Despite Teacher’s Warning Of Failure

Note: This story was originally reported in May 2018.

A teacher at Nandua High School in Virginia confronted a student about his Confederate-themed art project, arguing that it promoted racism. She requested that he redo the assignment.

The student, William Norman, a freshman, explained that his ceramic hand sculpture featured the phrase “Robert E. Lee, history not hate” and was due the next day. Initially, the teacher supported his design but changed her stance shortly before the deadline.

The school informed Norman that he would receive a failing grade unless he altered his project, but he chose to stand his ground. “I believe in what I think is right,” he stated. “I can’t change my project after working so hard on it. That’s not fair to me or anyone else.”

After Norman’s parents intervened, they explained that Robert E. Lee was their distant relative and emphasized that the project represented heritage rather than racism. His father, David Norman, expressed their family’s long history in America, asserting, “We are not racists; my son isn’t either.”

Ultimately, Norman was permitted to display his artwork.

The Accomack County Public School has not yet provided a public response to the situation.