TECUMSEH, Mich. - Clinton Community Schools is polling residents on whether to change the name of the school mascot to something other than "Redskins," according to the Tecumseh Herald.
A Herald article said that, following an exchange of letters-to-the-editor between two local residents and Superintendent David Pray, the superintendent agreed to review the issue and poll residents. Residents have until Nov. 1 to sign a petition in Pray's office; the results will determine whether he takes the matter to the school board, the Herald reported.
The residents who raised the issue, Elspeth and Kylista Geiger, said the "Redskin" mascot is derogatory and de-humanizing, according to the Herald. Approximately 57 Michigan school districts use mascots or images related to American Indians, among them Chiefs, Warriors, Reds and Redmen.
SOURCE:
Tecumseh Herald, "Petition drive looks to - Eliminate Redskins," Oct. 8, 2008
FURTHER READING:
Michigan Education Digest, "Fees for school activities increase," Aug. 26, 2003
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