Rutland School mascot voted back to ‘Raiders’
RUTLAND, Vt. (WCAX) - After more than a year of controversy over changing of the Rutland High School mascot name, the Rutland City Public School’s Board of Commissioners Tuesday voted to return to the old Raiders name again.
The board retired the mascot and arrowhead logo last year after deeming it offensive and hurtful to indigenous people. But the action sparked controversy in the community and months of feuding.
The board met for hours Tuesday night, resulting in a 6 to 5 vote to change the name back. “To discontinue the Raven name and adopt the Raiders name” said Commissioner Tricia O’Connor.
O’Connor asked to add the vote as a new business action item. A debate between the commissioners questioned if it was possible to add an item to the agenda and if a two-thirds vote would be needed. “This is the democratic process. I’m not sure why you’re against that if the majority of the board would like to put something on the agenda for majority vote,” said Commissioner Charlene Seward.
Others questioned why the name change was even being brought up again. “What’s the end game here?” said Commissioner Dena Goldberg. “Come March, we have a board come up, are we going to go through, this every season like a seasonal item?”
Eventually, in a 6 to 5 rollcall vote, the moniker vote was added as a new item to the agenda. “I will break the tie to put it on the agenda and points of order can be discussed when it hits that part,” said Board Chair Hurley Cavacas.
Commissioner Stephanie Stoodley said all commissioners need to show students how adults conduct themselves. “We are an embarrassment to our community, so as a board, it is time to step up and do what we are asked to do as elected officials,” she said.
During public comment, Karen Bossi said that the mascot issue was why she took such an interest in the board. “If this board cannot make a decision -- which it seems it cannot -- this should be put on the ballot as a ballot item and let the taxpayers decide.”
When it came time to vote, Kevin Keifaber brought up how the Raiders name has ties to racism, how the decision could impact Rutland economically, and how students expressed they did not feel welcome with the former mascot. “To go back to the Raider name is saying those students don’t matter and that is not a good thing to do as a board,” he said
Related Stories:
Tensions bubble over at Rutland School Board over mascot replacement
Analysis: Preserving civility in Vermont public life
Rutland City teachers, support staff, nurses call for contract negotiations
Rutland Town selectman defends social media comments connected to mascot debate
Rutland Town selectman censured following comments online
What’s next for Rutland Ravens?
Board votes to keep Rutland Ravens nickname
Tension erupts during meeting looking into validity of ‘Raiders’ name change
Report finds Rutland officials followed procedure in changing mascot name
Confusion over Rutland school mascot meeting sparks more controversy
Public to weigh in at meeting on Rutland Ravens vs. Raiders mascot
Some in Rutland embrace Ravens while others fight for return to Raiders
Schools asked to boycott Rutland games if old mascot returns
Rutland students demonstrate in support of keeping Ravens mascot
Danville ditches ‘Indians’ nickname for sports teams
Group that worked to change Rutland mascot not backing down
Pro-Raiders candidates win seats on Rutland School Board
School board approves ‘Rutland Ravens’ name change
School board to make final decision on ‘Rutland Ravens’ name change
Students vote Rutland Ravens as new mascot
Supporters of Raider name in Rutland rally to keep high school legacy
Will Rutland’s mascot controversy fade with time?
School board president receives threats after Raider name change
Rutland schools ditch ‘Raiders’ mascot
Rutland, Danville schools discuss mascot changes
Will Rutland High School retire the Raiders?
Copyright 2022 WCAX. All rights reserved.