No action was taken following a lengthy discussion Wednesday by the school board regarding the future of the Indian mascot at Manhattan High School.
The board gave a 4-3 consensus to move forward with the discussion once the new board convenes in January. Board Vice President Kristin Brighton says the main reason she brought the discussion up Wednesday, was to end the discussion once and for all.
Brighton says there are already students at MHS who refuse to wear school clothing with the Indian name and logo.
Board member Katrina Lewison said she supported Brighton’s decision and referenced the Committee for Diversity and Inclusion’s recommendation to change the mascot character to something not related to humans or other ethnic groups.
Others on the board disagreed, saying the name should not be revisited again, after it’s already been decided previously. Board member Curt Herrman, who has been a part of multiple mascot discussions, says the public support was overwhelmingly in favor of keeping the mascot, the last time they held a vote.
Board member Darell Edie, who has also gone through the same discussions as Herrman, said he favors keeping the Indian name and imagery.
Board Member Brandy Santos says she feels the name and image are not racist or offensive, but acknowledged that doesn’t mean she’s right.
Board President Jurdene Coleman, who is leaving the board, says she wants the issue to be revisited, but doesn’t necessarily want to be a part of it.
Coleman says while she knows her vote matters, wanting to abstain comes from fear.
The board also brought in the two incoming school board members for the conversation. Christine Weixelman stated the timing of the discussion seemed strange to her, claiming the board was trying to capitalize on a partisan majority.
Jayme Morris-Hardeman, who was vocal about the issue during her campaign says she supports alternatives to the Indian name and imagery.
The majority of the new school board in January doesn’t support abandoning the mascot and imagery, but Wednesday’s 4-3 vote does allow the conversation to be addressed again at some point next year. Whether that will actually happen is uncertain.
Assistant Superintendent Eric Reid has agreed to look into cost estimates if the name ever were to be changed.
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