Students in Lancaster rallied outside the high school this morning in support of their former "Redskins" mascot. A gathering of more than 200 students staged a peaceful protest in front of the school at One Forton Drive as the day began. Some carried signs with messages such as "Hear Our Voice." Once school began, students marched down Forton Drive to Central Avenue, stopping briefly at the district administration building.
Media was kept off school property during the rally, but Lancaster Senior Wade Webster talked to WBFO, saying that it is "offensive" to lose their 68-year-old mascot. Another student, Kali Foss, told us "If you were to walk our halls... especially next week, Spirit Week... Our Spirit Assembly, it's never used as a hate thing. It's probably the most prideful thing. We love it. We wear it with pride." Other students told us the issue is overshadowing good things which are happening at the school.
The Lancaster School Board voted earlier this week to retire the name after a heated debate over the last few weeks.
Opponents of the mascot say the term "Redskins" is offensive. Three school districts with a high population of Native American students canceled lacrosse games against Lancaster in protest of the name.
Supporters say the name is meant as an honor, noting it's been a tradition for nearly 70 years in the district.
