A street with a controversial name has been renamed after months of protest.

Lindner Place in Malverne is now Acorn Way, after a unanimous decision from the Malverne Village Board.

As News 12 reported, the street was formerly named after Paul Lindner - the head of the Ku Klux Klan on Long Island in the 1920s.

Students from Malverne High School uncovered the village's history and demanded something be done.

"It really brought an issue to light that revealed a lot about our community," says Jamila Smith. "It really made us get active in our community to seek out change."

Village leaders voted to change the name in April and announced the new official name this week.

The committee chose from a batch of 50 potential names before deciding on Acorn Way. 

They say it is very appropriate because the village's motto is "Oak trees from acorns."

"I don't think there is any doubt that hte name should be changed because it goes with the village motto," says Malverne Mayor Keith Corbett. "Our little acorns are right across the street in Downing School."

The official unveiling of the changed street name is expected sometime in October.

A plaque will also be placed on the Malverne Library grounds, documenting the significance and history of the streets changed name.