The Thompson school board decided at its last study session to retire the Native American mascots for Loveland High and Bill Reed Middle School. Wednesday, members will vote on a resolution making it official.
The online agenda for the Board of Education on Sunday did not include the wording of the resolution, but stressed the board’s decision to “retire the Indian and Warrior” mascots.
Board members all said at the Aug. 20 study session that they were in favor of changing the mascots due to research that shows Native American mascots promote racism and cause emotional harm to Native American students. All seven board members agreed that maintaining the mascots is wrong, with members expressing that there is no place for such mascots in today’s society.
“The use of Native Americans as school mascots has been a topic of conversation within our community and district with a variety of opinions and perspectives,” according to a memo attached to the school board agenda. “As a nation, state and local community, we are collectively engaged in conversations that define who we are and what we value.”
Discussion around changing the mascots led to an online petition for keeping “the beloved” mascots and their proud tradition and for getting rid of the “racist” and “embarrassing” mascots. Public comment was passionate on both sides at the study session and on social media over the past few weeks.
However, the school board was united in its decision to remove the mascots, in light of its efforts to be more inclusive to all students and to create an equitable and accepting environment.
“I understand that this is hard,” board member Dawn Kirk said at the study session, “but it will not be as hard as it is on the people impacted.”
School district officials said they would engage the students and community in the process of choosing new mascots for both Loveland High and Bill Reed Middle School. Details on how that will work and when that will occur have not yet been released.
The school board meets online at 6 p.m. Wednesday. A link to the virtual meeting will be posted at thompsonschools.org.
Residents who want to make public comment may call 970-613-6776 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Wednesday and leave their comment in a recorded message. For the message to be played at the meeting, callers must leave their name, address, phone number and the topic they are addressing.
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August 31, 2020 at 02:14AM
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Thompson School Board to vote on resolution changing Native American mascots - Loveland Reporter-Herald
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