Sticking with Red Raider
We wondered what students and alumni were thinking when Uniontown High School art teacher Beverly DeMotte approached the school board last week with a plea to change the district’s mascot. DeMotte believes that the Indian head, tomahawk and other symbols are offensive to Native Americans. We asked our readers what they thought. They weren’t shy in letting us know – Red Raiders rule. The response was overwhelmingly in favor of sticking with tradition. As of Friday afternoon we had received 211 responses through snail and e-mail. Of those, just three people think the name should change, and only one left this anonymous comment:
“As a 1978 graduate of Uniontown High School, I personally do not find the mascot offensive. However, in due respect to the American Indians, I can emphasize how our harmless symbol could be viewed as offensive. While I realize that more pressing matters need to be addressed in education, I feel the time has arrived to change the mascot symbol so as to avoid future monetary fines and unflattering publicity. Perhaps this situation can be an invaluable educational experience to the students, the faculty and the public. Finally, I commend Beverly DeMotte for having the courage to bring this matter to the attention of the school board.”
Most people did sign the poll, and from their addresses and comments it could be inferred that the vast majority are current students, parents of students and/or alumni. Many offered comments. Below, you will find a sampling of these.
We also posted an online poll on our Web site, www.heraldstandard.com
. At last check, 452 people had responded. Unlike the printed poll, there is no way to tell if the voters have a connection with the Uniontown school district. Results were running 91.4 percent in favor of keeping the Red Raider name, while 8.6 percent noted they were offended.
In addition, a number of expatriates, who keep up with local news through our online edition, posted comments to last Sunday’s editorial requesting readers’ input. Again, they claim an allegiance, sentimental or otherwise, to their alma mater’s mascot. We would like to thank all those who took the time to participate. Thanks also to Herald-Standard photographer Paul Ruhter for taking the shot that appears on this page. Ruhter captured the gym floor as cheerleaders and boys basketball players preparing for Tuesday’s game against Kiski Area, which the Raiders won, 81-53.
Luanne Traud
Editorial Page Editor