August 29, 2006
Michael L. Hopkins
Superintendent of Schools
Rochester School Department
150 Wakefield Street, Suite 8
Rochester, NH 03867
Dear Mr. Hopkins,
Since I have not received a response to my last two letters (dated April 21, 2006 and July 18, 2006) on the subject of Spaulding's race-based team name and logo, I wanted to pass along the enclosed CD of Buffy Sainte-Marie's 1966 song "My Country 'Tis of thy People You’re Dying."
I urge you to listen to this song and read the lyrics and consider whether there might be a better way for Spaulding to "honor" Indian people.
Please consider keeping the dialogue about the "Red Raiders" name and logo open. This offensive name and grotesque logo have been associated with the school long enough.
Sincerely,
Pete Sanfaçon
New England Anti-Mascot Coalition
