PAW PAW, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A local Native American tribe is pleased with the news of the retirement of the Paw Paw school district mascot that was voted on this week.
On Monday, the Paw Paw school district board voted 6-1 in favor of retiring its Redskins mascot. The feedback has been divided; many have been arguing that the Redskins name is racist, while others say it’s part of their school history.
“I think everyone can agree a school’s nickname and mascot should be something every student can feel proud of celebrating,” Reo said in a written statement in the district’s newsletter.
In a press release shared by Mlive Wednesday, local Native American leaders weighed in on the decision, praising the news of the mascot retirement.
According to Mlive, a joint press release from the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi and the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi states in part that “we strive to support and uphold positive healthy learning environments for our youth and inclusive resilient communities for our Tribal Citizens and their neighbors.”
Reo maintains that he believed the name, in the context of the school, was never meant to be insulting, but recognizes that other parties may not feel the same way.
“Our nickname is preventing us from realizing our true potential as a school that welcomes, celebrates, supports and challenges all students,” Reo added in his statement.
In a related matter, the ACLU filed a complaint in January of 2019 claiming that a “racially hostile environment” exists in the district. This also launched a formal investigation by the The U.S. Department of Education for Civil Rights, which remains ongoing at this time.
Meanwhile, the school is working to come up with a new mascot and nickname, which is expected by July.
