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On Monday, the Teton School Board, namely Superintendent Monte R. Woolstenhulme, made the decision to immediately get rid of the 'Redskins' mascot at Teton High School in Driggs. The immediate impact of the decision could be labeled as "outrage" on the part of those against the decision, while others commended the decision by Woolstenhulme.
But it looks like that decision may take awhile to implement now.
This from Local News 8 in East Idaho: "Superintendent Woolstenhulme sent an email to the media today, saying "As this week has progressed I've taken feedback from many people that are passionate about this issue, those that agree with the decision and those that strongly disagree with changing the Redskin mascot at Teton High School. I appreciate people taking the time to share their opinions.”
Woolstenhulme said the decision came after talking with School Board Chair Doug Peterson.
He said no funds will be spent at this time to change the the mascot. No Redskins signs or logos will be removed.
The price tag for replacing all athletic uniforms for teams and to replace signs with the mascot name over a five- to eight-year period is $100,000. Those funds would be from existing budgets, not funds that could go toward paying district employees, Woolstenhulme said.
Although the mascot is not changing immediately, the matter is not closed. It will be open to public discussion at a July 8 school board meeting at the Teton High School Auditorium at 7 p.m.
Woolstenhulme said the district is reaching out to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes at the Fort Hall Reservation for feedback." (Read the full story from Local News 8).
It's definitely interesting to see such a sudden change just days after this was announced. While we certainly hope for an amicable ending to this matter, it's not going to be easy. The Redskin mascot has been used at Teton since 1910... and it's roots and traditions are deeply embedded in many people in the Driggs area. This is something that can either divide a town or unite it.
I understand both sides of the case, however. It's not easy to navigate today's "politically correct" world unscathed. For now, Teton High School's mascot will remain the 'Redskins'. But who knows for how much longer this will remain. Here's to hoping that all works out for both sides.
To get more information on the issue and read similar cases of high school and university mascot controversies, click here.
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