The Forest Hills Board of Education voted on July 2 — not unanimously, just 4-1 — to retire the Anderson High School Redskins mascot.
In what most humans would consider an overdue move, a release about the decision says it came after "community discussion, input and significant work to support inclusivity and diversity across the district."
The National Congress of American Indians thanked the high school for standing on the "right side of history" on their Twitter.
We honor Anderson High School for choosing to stand on the right side of history by retiring its R*dsk*n mascot! Dan Snyder, time for you to do the same! #ChangeTheMascot
— National Congress of American Indians (@NCAI1944) July 2, 2020
But he isn't gone just yet, die-hard Redskins fans. After more than 80 years on the scene, the board says the Native American caricature will be "phased out in stages" during the 2020-21 school year. (The athletics team will also probably have to change their website: andersonredskins.org.)
“We serve a passionate community and the Board of Education respects the many different voices invested in the future of the mascot,” said Forest Heis, board president, in the release. “Now is the time to unite with the common goal of selecting a mascot that celebrates Anderson’s proud traditions of academic and athletic excellence.”
The district will be creating guidelines and a process as they work to select a new Anderson High School mascot, with input from students, alumni, staff and the community.
Superintendent Scot Prebles said they'll be launching a fundraising committee "to ensure this transition takes place in the most cost-effective manner and using private donations to the greatest extent possible.”
As far as national Redskins go, those of the Washington variety have just announced they will be reviewing their team name and logo.
And here it is: the Redskins are undergoing a thorough review of the team’s name.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 3, 2020
And let’s be clear: There’s no review if there’s no change coming.
Redskins on way out. pic.twitter.com/ZrS3cCvhMg
