Rochester Middle School Cafeteria
Tuesday,
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Members Present: |
Members Absent: |
Others Present: |
| Mrs. Peggy Parker, Chair Mr. Robert Watson Mr. Frank Callaghan Ms. Diane Moody Mr. John Rossi
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None | Mr. Kent Hemingway Mr. David Colson Mr. Robert Pedersen Mr. William Douglass Staff, parents, and community members (60+) |
Mr. Hemingway began the meeting explaining the purpose and procedure for the public hearing. A request came to the Committee to discontinue the use of the Native American portrait and symbol connected with Spaulding High School. Information has been gathered to date and Committee members received a summary of letters, emails, comments and articles on the topic. A notebook was available with full documentation of information received. Community members wishing to speak were asked to sign in at the front table and wait to be recognized by the Committee Chairperson. Speakers were asked to keep their remarks under 5 minutes to give each person time to speak.
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm with a quorum present.
SHS Mascot Discussion — Mrs. Parker addressed the group, indicating that the Committee wished to hear from the public on the issue of the Spaulding Red Raider Native American logo. She indicated that the Committee anticipated acting on the issue at the close of the hearing.
The following is a list of those speaking and a summary of comments:
David Stevens, Spaulding graduate and Rochester City Councilor spoke in favor of retaining logo based on family, alumni involvement and school opinion.
Rick Healey, Rochester City Councilor, spoke in favor of retaining the logo and requested a course on Native American culture be offered at Spaulding High School.
Pete Sanfaçon, Spaulding graduate, spoke in favor of ending the use of the Native American logo. He cited a recommendation from the N.H. State Board of Education requesting that school districts discontinue the use of Native Americans in school symbols, logos and mascots. Mr. Sanfaçon read a letter from Spaulding High School counselor [and advisor to the Human Rights Club] Judy Cohen expressing her desire to see the logo changed.
Nancy Warren, Chairperson of Rochester School Board, spoke in favor of retaining the logo based on her research in the community.
Al Miltner, Spaulding graduate and Rochester resident, spoke in favor, citing tradition, respect and pride in the symbol.
Larry Gagne spoke in favor, citing whole school support of Red Raider representation.
Damon Kondrup spoke in favor, indicating he and his brother had consulted a Native American leadership organization in Danvers, MA and found support for Rochester’s use of the Native American image and Red Raider nickname. He introduced guest, Roland Jerome, as the next speaker.
Roland Jerome identified himself as a full blood MicMac, born in Canada, and a Chief of the Cultural Center in Danvers, MA. He spoke in favor indicating that it was an honor to have the Native American represented in this manner.
Alan Damon, Spaulding graduate and Rochester resident, spoke in favor, citing his families history and experience with the Red Raider tradition and the positive impact experienced by his son.
Denise Chick, Spaulding graduate and Rochester resident, spoke in favor of the logo as a symbol of aggressive play and not violence in sports teams. She questioned why Rochester should change when the use of Native American symbols, logos and mascots by professional sports teams is so prevalent.
Frank Callaghan, School Board member and Spaulding graduate, spoke in favor citing the long and respectful use of the Native American symbol. He spoke of his experiences with Native Americans and his pride in those relationships.
Jeremy Bourgeois, Spaulding graduate and current UNH student, spoke in favor and encouraged people to visit the web site www.savetheraider.com he designed to express their support.
Robert Perkins, Spaulding graduate and Rochester resident, spoke in favor citing his pride in wearing the Spaulding jersey and wishing to carry that on with his children.
Nancy Warren spoke again, thanking Mr. Jerome for his remarks.
Dorothy Callaghan, Rochester teacher and Rochester resident, spoke in favor citing a Sports Illustrated poll of Native Americans that found 88% of those questioned in favor of Native American symbols as school logos. She spoke of her experience with Native American tribes and told a story of a local man seeking to connect with other Native Americans in the area.
Ray Laurion, Rochester resident, spoke in favor and told of a 68-year old Native American who speaks with 4th graders about pride in Native American heritage.
John Rossi, Rochester School Board member, spoke in favor, citing the symbol as a source of pride not violence.
Chelsea Guay, current Spaulding student, spoke in favor explaining her pride at events where students wear school colors and cheer for their classmates.
Robert Pedersen, Spaulding Principal, spoke in favor wishing to use this opportunity to educate students about the pride of Native Americans in their culture. He referenced a petition circulated by students gathering over 300 signatures in support of the logo.
Claire Trepanier, Rochester resident, spoke in favor citing her daughter’s pride in the logo and Spaulding experience.
Peter Sanfaçon spoke again, agreeing with the topics of school pride, red and white colors, and school spirit. He encouraged the group to consider the negative presentation of a race of people and that other ethnic groups were not portrayed as Native Americans are. He read a list of organizations opposed to the use of Native American logos, mascots, and symbols. He encouraged people to read more about the issue at a number of websites he identified. Organizations, websites, and other materials Mr. Sanfaçon provided are included in the full documentation available in the SAU office.
Dave Colson, Rochester School Department Athletic Director and Rochester resident, spoke in favor citing the unanimous support for the symbol he has heard from dozens of community members. He spoke of his increased awareness of Native Americans through a college course he took and hoped that further education would assist students in understanding Native American history and issues.
Robert Watson, Rochester School Board member, asked Mr. Hemingway for the administrative opinion on the issue.
Mr. Hemingway indicated that considerable discussion, research, and understanding of the community’s position has taken place over the past month. The administration is not offering a position on the issue, leaving the decision to the School Board based on the information presented and response from the community.
Mr. Watson moved to discontinue use of the Native American logo at the end of this school year. There was no second to the motion.
Mrs. Parker expressed her appreciation to all for participating in the hearing and conducting the discussion with respect.
Mr. Callaghan moved, second by Mrs. Moody, to adjourn at 7:34. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Mrs. Peggy Parker, Chair
