New England Anti-Mascot Coalition

WILTON – Changing the Wilton-Lyndeborough Warrior mascot to something less racially charged will be addressed at a district forum next year, the School Board decided last week.

The board was reacting to two letters sent from the New England Anti-Mascot Coalition, a group dedicated to ending Native American mascots because, the group claims, they are "institutionally racist."

On June 6, the School Board decided to send the NEAMC leader Peter Sanfaçon a letter informing him of their intentions. The letter to Sanfaçon stated the school district meant no disrespect to Native Americans.

The board members said sometime next year they would hold some type of forum about racial sensitivity and invite a guest speaker to explain to the community why the logo should be retired. They considered inviting Sanfaçon to speak, but decided against it because, members agreed, his rhetoric may be too inflammatory for a school setting.

Superintendent of Schools Francine Fullam backed up their argument by quoting a section of Sanfacon's website, where he comments about his battles with the Rochester School Board, whose school mascot is the Red Raiders.

"I was the sole voice of reason in a town of isolationists, naïve zealots, and ignorant small town do-gooders," wrote Sanfaçon.

School Board member Tony Lynch said he didn't mind modifying the mascot, but he didn't want to change the school's symbol solely on the basis of one complaint from someone who isn't local.

But Chairwoman Jean Scagel said Sanfaçon could be representing thousands of people whose never had a clear voice.

"If someone finds it offensive, that could be reason enough to get ride of those things," said Scagel. "If it's the right thing to do, we're supposed to provide some leadership."

She noted "Sambo's" was a restaurant when she was young, but in today's world people would be horrified by the name because African Americans consider the name a slur.

Bob Nields suggested keeping the Warrior name, but changing the mascot to a non-Indian combatant.

"Sometime military people are warriors. A thousand years ago the Huns and the barbarians were warriors," he said.

High School Principal Trevor Ebel said students were "outraged" that someone wanted to change their mascot.