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West Hartford High Schools Keep Team Names, Drop Mascots

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The mascot debates have ended -- at least in West Hartford.

The West Hartford school board has voted to drop references to Native American mascots at its two high schools. But, the schools' teams will still be called the Chieftans and Warriors.

The two sides came to a compromise this week after a long running controversy erupted over the mascots at Conard and Hall high schools. Opponents said the mascots were racist and offensive to Native Americans, while supporters said they reflected history and respect toward Indian culture.

In addition to the compromise, the Board of Education also directed the superintendent to ensure that curriculum would "enhance understanding of Native American cultures."

Schools across Connecticut have faced similar controversy, though the various tribes have been split in their opinion on the subject. North Haven is currently talking about the appropriateness of its mascot, the Indians. Quinnipiac University used to be called the Braves, but that was changed to the Bobcats in 2002.

Over 20 high schools in the state have mascots associated with Native Americans.

West Hartford principals are expected to have new mascots in place by mid-June.

David finds and tells stories about education and learning for WNPR radio and its website. He also teaches journalism and media literacy to high school students, and he starts the year with the lesson: “Conflicts of interest: Real or perceived? Both matter.” He thinks he has a sense of humor, and he also finds writing in the third person awkward, but he does it anyway.

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