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Teton High School drops controversial Native American mascot after 90 years

Posted at 11:47 AM, Jul 17, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-17 13:54:47-04

DRIGGS, Idaho — Trustees in the Teton School District have voted to drop its controversial Redskins mascot.

6 On Your Side's media partners, Idaho Education News report the trustees voted 4-1 to retire Teton High School's nickname.

The decision has come with much controversy. The nickname has been around for 90 years, and over 100 people watched the meeting. Emotions ran high.

“A vote tonight would be a disservice to the valley,” one patron told the board.

The meeting, also live-streamed in two parts on Facebook, had others arguing delaying a vote would further divide the local community.

It's unclear what the new nickname will be. Trustees will create a community committee later this month to find a replacement mascot.

Michelle Edmonds KIVI and Idaho Education News reporter Kevin Richert discuss the issue in depth, along with other education topics, in this week's Making the Grade.

If you'd like to watch the portion on the Teton School District, go to 16:11 in the video.

(Photo courtesy Idaho Education News)