Vestavia Responds To Questions About Rebel Mascot

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL — Amid social unrest surrounding racism throughout the country, statues, emblems, flags and other references to the Confederat State of America have been banned, burned, toppled and criticized. And Vestavia Hills City Schools has not been immune from such criticism.

The Vestavia Hills "Rebel" logo and mascot has been a symbol of the school system since its inception, and while the "Johnny Reb" image of the Rebel mascot is not as prominent these days, pressure has been placed on the system in recent weeks to reconsider its mascot.

"Vestavia Hills City Schools’ mission is to provide every student the opportunity to learn without limits," the school system said in a statement Wednesday. "This mission requires that now, more than ever, we persistently confront the limitations that hinder our learning. That is the definition of what being a Rebel means to our school system and why it will continue to be our name."

In 2015, the Vestavia Hills Board of Education engaged the community in a conversation about the name and the imagery associated with it at that time. The result of those discussions was that the Rebel name has its own unique identity in the community.

"Being a Vestavia Hills Rebel means defying cultural norms and expectations," the system's news release said. "It means pursuing excellence not only in the classroom or ball field, but in the community and throughout the world as well. It means using our voices and resources to condemn the scourge of racism and bigotry and to advocate justice for others. These ideals are at the core of Vestavia Hills High School’s Rebel Edge creed and our mission.

"Being a Vestavia Hills Rebel also means never settling for the status quo. For the past 50 years, our schools and community have committed themselves to casting an ambitious vision of the future, undergirded by a set of core beliefs. We believe that every person has value and deserves respect. We believe every person is responsible for his or her actions. We believe every person deserves to be safe. We believe our identity is reflected best in the hearts of our students, faculty, staff, and community. This is our Rebel Edge."

The statement concludes by saying, "As we prepare for a new school year, we have the unique opportunity to embrace our leadership role in confronting the issues affecting our students and empower them to make a positive difference in the world. Vestavia Hills City Schools is committed to that opportunity with the Rebel spirit and the fortitude that makes our community such a special place."