BELDING, Mich. — The Belding Area Schools Board of Education unanimously voted Monday night to drop their controversial Redskins team name.
The meeting was called after outcry from the Native American community, who say the “Redskins” name is derogatory. The board has had several committee meetings and has heard from several local tribes. One of them, the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, visited the school to educate parents on the origin of the “Redskins” name and why as a mascot they feel it’s offensive.
Unlike past meetings where there were some fireworks between parents on both sides of the issue, only one parent spoke Monday and ultimately said they would support whatever direction the school chooses.
The board and the superintendent will now work with the administration and the community to decide what team name to adopt and begin the transition away from the “Redskins.”
