Students at Horace Greeley High School have petitioned to change the name of the school.

Senior Jordan Klein published the petition on change.org claiming that Greeley was a bigot and someone who thought African-Americans were a worthless race. So far 100 people have signed the petition.

New Castle historian Gray Williams says Greeley was a progressive American hero. Greeley founded the New York Tribune and was an 1872 presidential candidate.

"In terms of opposition to slavery, there was hardly anyone more influential and important and he was a progressive," says Williams. "In many ways he was a great supporter of women's rights." 

The New Castle Historical Society is researching the claims made against Greely. 

Chappaqua School District Superintendent Christine Ackerman released a statement saying in part: "Changing the name of our high school would require a significant level of due diligence on this subject." 
 
The school board plans to discuss the petition at a meeting at the end of this month.