Liberty Magnet High School focuses on preparing students for a competitive collegiate education, with 99% of its graduates going on to attend college.

[16] In December 2019, twenty-four students were suspended after a video of what was labeled an unofficial "fight club" was leaked on social media.

Marlin McMillians, the president of the association, has explained that the school was named for Lanier's time as a poet, not ties to the Confederacy.

In June 2020, the name of the school became the center of controversy as many residents questioned the purpose of memorializing the legacy of Lee.

Connie Bernard, a board member who has been serving since 2010, defended the school's name, telling community members to “learn a little bit more about” Lee saying that "General Lee inherited a large plantation, and he was tasked with the job of doing something with those people who lived in bondage to that plantation – the slaves – and he freed them.

"[20][21] Community leader Gary Chambers Jr. photographed Bernard on her laptop shopping during the meeting, posting it on his Facebook before addressing the board.

[28] Bernard has been called to resign by three of the EBR school board members,[29][30] including by vice president Tramelle Howard,[31] and has since apologized about the incident, writing "My comments last week about the naming of Lee High School were insensitive, have caused pain for others, and have led people to believe I am an enemy of people of color, and I am deeply sorry."

Woody Jenkins, the chairman of the executive committee for the Republican Party in East Baton Rouge, called Gaudet to resign over his remarks.

[37] After a request, the history from the school board-issued laptop used by Bernard was searched, showing that it had been used to visit a website called "thredUP.

"[38][39][40] On June 18, 2020, the East Baton Rouge School Board unanimously voted to establish a renaming committee and to hear recommendations for the new name.