Union Public Schools To Vote On Changing Nickname, Mascot

The Union School Board will vote Monday on whether it should change the district mascot and logo because many believe the name “Redskins” is offensive and hurtful to Native Americans.

A committee voted 24-3 to change Union’s mascot. Union’s mascot has been the redskins for 75 years.

Chris Payne, the Chief Communications Officer at the district said if the board decides to approve the change, the name “Redskins” will go away.

The school district has considered the name change for years. Monday’s discussion will include recommendations from a special committee that was put together specifically to investigate this issue.

Some parents are divided on the issue, as some are for the change and others against. Pam Thompson’s kids graduated from the district and said the name “Redskins” is offensive. She believes it’s time to do something different.

“If it’s something that’s offensive to people, we need to try to get past all of that. We want to come up with something that’s not offensive, but again, we can’t please everybody. It’s time for change,” Thompson said.

On the other hand, Suzette Baker has five kids who graduated from Union Public Schools. Baker said she is proud to be a Redskin and hates that the name she’s known for decades might be taken away tonight.

“I think Union should keep Redskins. This has been going on for years,” Baker said.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. and the public will be allowed to speak.