DANVILLE, Vt. (AP) - A petition is circulating in Danville asking the school board to reverse its recent decision to do away with the school nickname that some find offensive.
The board voted last month in a two-hour meeting attended by more than 80 people to immediately end the use of the nickname, “Indians.” The school’s new policy prohibits the representation of the school by any race or ethnic group as a mascot.
Danville resident Dawn Peck Pastula, who is helping to organize a petition signing event, said she’s heard from many people who are unhappy with the board’s decision, the Caledonian Record reported. As of Sunday, 17 people had signed the petition, she said.
School board Chairman Bruce Melendy urged people to review the minutes of the meetings about the mascot issue.
“I understand the compassion many have regarding the name Danville Indians, however, the Board’s decision is final at this time,” he said by email. A committee will be formed select a new school mascot.
Last fall, Rutland school officials voted to do end the use of the nickname “Raider.” In February, the school chose the new nickname of “Ravens.”
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This story has been corrected to show that a new nickname was chosen in Rutland in February, not March.
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