Red Raider should be fazed (sic) out at SHS
To the editor:
We see the issue of the Indian image as a logo and rallying cry for the Spaulding Red Raiders has not gone away after all. So I will come out of the woodwork and state that I, for one, want to see the Red Raider Indian image logo be done away with. Now, having said that where would we go from here?
In the Foster's article of Nov. 24 I am beginning to see the makings of a compromise that should offend no one but the diehards. The compromise, in part, that seems to be in the works is:
(1) Continue the administration policy of no Indian mascots, Indian-dressed cheerleaders, or spirit leaders.
(2) Faze (sic) out the Indian logo and all images of Indians on school uniforms over the next five years coinciding with the replacement schedule of team uniforms, thus no money lost.
(3) Put Spaulding on away uniforms for school identification and Raiders on home uniforms. If you go to the home games you got to know you are at Spaulding so Spaulding on the uniforms is not necessary.
(4) School colors will stay the same, predominately red and white with a touch of black if need be. I date back to the last football team to wear maroon and white in 1956. That is when the colors went to red and white.
(5) Furthermore, I suggest dropping all Indian images in student and administration publications by the start of school year 2008-2009. That leaves it up to this year's sophomore class in their senior yearbooks, newspapers and the Red and White to find more creative images to promote school spirit. This year's juniors and seniors will be the last to use Indian images in their publications- but we hope with ever moderating usage.
(6) We can continue to call ourselves Red Raiders or Raiders. I personally prefer just "Raiders" because it allows for more creative artistry on the students part.
David P. Miller
Rochester
