Debate over South Point's Red Raider mascot continues into new year
Two years of debate about whether the Red Raider mascot at South Point High School represents ethnic and racial stereotyping has produced some noise, but little action.
Those who would like to see the Belmont school's mascot change continue to attend Gaston County school board meetings to ask the elected officials to take their side. So far, the county's Board of Education has not acted.
The Metrolina Native American Association, based in Charlotte, has joined forces with opposing group members in support of retiring the mascot to hopefully influence school board members to take action.
“We are not honored by being portrayed as violent, red-faced raiders by people who know nothing about our actual history, traditions, or culture,” said Rebecca LaClaire, chairperson of Metrolina Native American Association, a group that has joined the effort to see the mascot replaced.
Previous coverage: Resolution to Red Raider mascot forthcoming, says former South Point athlete
Some students who would like to see the school change its mascot say it expresses inaccuracies of Native American culture.
“I have personally seen the adverse effects of the mascot within our own student body. I, along with other students I have spoken to, feel uncomfortable representing my own school, and feel a strong disconnect between my school and the racist mascot it presents," South Point senior Ryan Simms told the school board at a November meeting.
"I am a proud South Point student," said Simms. "I am not a proud Red Raider.”
While some oppose the mascot, others embrace the Red Raider tradition and its connection to South Point High.
"Our logo accurately depicts one example of an eastern Woodlands Indian. Its red skin is not a depiction of skin color, but rather of red face paint that was often, sometimes required to be, worn when going to war," said Jason Rumfelt, a leader of the “Keep the Red Raider” group. "It is spiritual, not racial and it identifies the North American indian."
Elected school board members say a school mascots falls outside their authority to address.
“It is important to note that the Board of Education does not have a policy that addresses school mascots," Gaston County Schools released in a statement. "Traditionally, school colors, logos, mascots, etc. are determined at the school level based on information and recommendations from a committee that is usually made up of school and community representatives.”
Members of Retire the Red Raider have indicated they will continue to protest at school board meetings.
Beatriz Guerrero can be reached at 704-869-1828 or on Twitter@BeatrizGue_
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: South Point High School's Red Raider mascot continues to draw debate
