To: colson.shs@rochesternh.net
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2006 1:06 PM
Subject: "Red Raiders" Mascot
Mr. Colson,
I am writing to you in response to a letter I received from Robert Pedersen dated January 20, 2006. In that letter Mr. Pedersen suggested I contact you to gain your perspective on the continuing use of the "Red Raiders" mascot at Spaulding. Mr. Pedersen stated that the administration "addressed the issue" several years ago.
Could you provide some additional information regarding the administration's addressing the mascot issue at Spaulding? What type of research was conducted? Did the administration consult with groups of Native Americans in New Hampshire or around the country?
I was also hoping you could provide information on the history of the "Red Raiders" name and mascot, when it began, and how it has evolved over the years.
As you may know, over the past 4-5 years there have been at least two significant statements made by organizations with a real stake in both the education of our children and the protection of the civil rights of all our citizens. Both statements call for an end to the use of Native American names and mascots by sports teams.
The first statement comes from the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.
The second is a resolution from the New Hampshire State Board of Education.
You may reply via email to this address.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Pete Sanfaçon
Spaulding Class of 1977
[This email has gone unanswered.]
