Nashoba Regional School Committee Meeting Minutes of May 17, 2007
(Bolton, MA)
Mascot Review
Mr. Wood called the committee's attention to a letter included in their meeting packet which is asking the committee to review the status of its Indian Chieftain mascot, emblem and name of our team. He said this is on the agenda to discuss and to consider action at a future meeting. Mr. Wood added that at this time, action could range from do nothing, establish a committee, or voting to change.
Mascot Change Request
Mr. Wood called the committee's attention to a letter from the New England Anti-mascot Coalition asking that the District change its mascot name and symbol. Mr. Wood said the committee really had three choices regarding this request. He said they could choose to leave it alone, decide to appoint a committee to make recommendations, or they could vote to change the mascot at a later point in time, perhaps in 1 or 2 years. Discussion ensued among the committee. Mr. Adams commented that he has 2 family members that have gone through Nashoba and they take great pride in the Chieftain symbol. He said it is seen as a symbol of strength and leadership, and that the Chieftain heritage is taught to area cub scouts. He told the committee that he did not see how a spear with a feather could be less offensive. Mr. Horne said that he was surprised when moving to this area that the District had the Chieftain symbol. Ms. CampoBasso said that she could not completely disagree with the information in the letter and asked about putting the decision in the students' hands. Mr. Fly told the committee that his experience with the students is that they are the least prejudiced group and they do not see these symbols in that way. Mr. Fly said his guess is that they would not choose to change it. Mr. Roche addressed the committee and said that from his perspective he see the term of Chieftains as one that denotes respect and leadership and that the students often speak of Chieftain pride. Mr. Govindan said that he was not in favor of giving this decision to the students. Mr. Burke inquired about forming a committee to get parents and students thoughts. Mr. Adams told the committee that this could be a good opportunity for students to learn about the Chieftain symbol, where it came from and what it stands for. Mr. Fly asked if there was an actual mascot at Nashoba games. Mr. Roche responded that there was not. Ms. Giunta said that she would not recommend the committee do anything at this point. Mr. Fly said it may be worthwhile to consider what other districts are doing. Mr. Govindan inquired about the MIAA's and said that perhaps the committee should wait to see what their ruling would be on this, as the letter stated they were currently considering the matter. Ms. Giunta said that they need to do more research and find out who this coalition is before making any decisions. Mr. Wood agreed and said that he would speak with his colleagues and do some research to find out who this group is.
MOTION
Motion moved by Richard Fly to refer this issue to the Superintendent for further recommendations as he may see fit. Seconded by Don Adams. IN FAVOR: Cathy Giunta, Monica CampoBasso, Mel Govindan, David Horne, Brian Burke, Richard Fly AGAINST: Don Adams VOTED AND PASSED. (7-1-0)
Nashoba Regional School Committee Meeting Minutes of May 31, 2007
(Bolton, MA)
New England Anti-Mascot Coalition Update
Mr. Wood updated the committee with regards to the anti-mascot request discussed at the committee's previous meeting. He said that in an unscientific survey of his colleagues, about half have received the letter as our District has and they plan to wait on how / if MIAA or some other state organization takes action. He told the committee that he spoke at length with Natick's Superintendent of Schools, and he reviewed how Natick came to their conclusion. Mr. Wood said that this coalition may not be as broad based as the word coalition implies and that he would keep the committee posted.