Red Raider logo continues as talk of town
FOSTER'S DAILY DEMOCRAT (Dover, NH)
Friday, April 14, 2006
Amanda Dumond — Democrat Staff Writer
ROCHESTER — The debate over the Red Raider logo has sparked conversations of further educating students and residents about American Indian history and culture.
School Board members Thursday night applauded the respectful proceedings of the recent public hearing on the logo and brainstormed ideas for greater education in the community.
Spaulding High School's symbol was briefly in jeopardy after alumnus Peter Sanfaçon of Framingham, Mass. asked the district to consider changing the emblem because some people, including Sanfaçon, consider the logo to be offensive to American Indians. Rochester residents from all walks of life and all ages gathered Tuesday at the hearing to speak in response to that request and show their support for preserving the logo.
Roland Jerome, a Micmac Indian and chief and founder of the United Native American Cultural Center in Devens, Mass., also said people from various American Indian nations at the center did not find anything wrong with the logo or the name Red Raider.
While a motion was made to eliminate the logo after this school year, it failed to gain a second motion, which means the logo will remain the way it is.
School Board Chair Nancy Warren and Special Services Committee Chair Peggy Parker both commented on the deference people gave to those with opposing views.
"I was just proud being there," Warren said.
"I was glad to see such a cross-section of the people of Rochester there," board member Frank Callaghan added.
Board member John Rossi noted the term "mascot" was used by many people, specifically Sanfacon, in describing the issue with the Red Raider logo. He emphasized that the high school does not have a mascot — it has not had one since the 1970s — and the Red Raider is really "just a proud symbol of the high school."
Spaulding administrators and teacher definitely plan to pursue offering an American Indian course. Warren said that parents also would like to be educated, so there may be the opportunity for a forum in the community.
Warren added that community members suggested at the hearing that it would be good to have a Spaulding student club create a display on the logo, outlining its history.
The origin of the Red Raider logo is unclear at this point.
After speaking with the Rochester Historical Society, administration learned that it originated sometime in the 1920s and was referenced in the literary magazine "Red and White." The symbol was never used in reference with American Indians until the 1950s, Assistant Superintendent Kent Hemingway said.
A final idea, suggested by Vice Chair Charlie DeVito, involved the creation of a code of conduct on the logo. DeVito said it would be beneficial to decide who can and cannot use the logo, how it should be displayed and whether it could be updated. He recommended that administration look at the policy idea this summer.
