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Paw Paw Public Schools votes to keep Redskins mascot

Posted at 10:16 PM, Feb 08, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-08 22:37:16-05

PAW PAW, Mich-- After months of protests and public debates, on Wednesday, the school board at Paw Paw Public Schools voted to keep The Redskins as its mascot and logo.

Supporters had argued the name was part of the district's history. However, opponents said the term was derogatory and racially-insensitive.

During Wednesday's board meeting, 30 people signed up to speak out during the public comment portion. The meeting was interrupted several times, with at least one person being escorted out.

Local law enforcement was also on hand at the meeting to help if anything escalated.

After nearly three hours, the board voted 4-to-3 to keep the mascot.

The debate is similar to other ones happening across the country and in Michigan. In December, Belding Area Schools unaminously voted to get rid of the name Redskins. The district is currently deciding on a replacement mascot.