Barnstable High School May Get Rid Of Native American Mascot

BARNSTABLE, MA — After years of impassioned critiques from Native Americans and activists regarding Barnstable High School's mascot, the Red Raiders, Principal Patrick Clark said the time has come to change the name.

At last month's school committee meeting, Barnstable students called to disown the mascot. Members of the Masphee Wampanoag Tribe have also long opposed the school mascot's name and logo. Clark told the Mashpee Enterprise it's time to listen to those voice that argue the use of indigenous mascots is offense.

"While there has always been a tremendous pride in being a Barnstable Red Raider, people are understanding that a unified image would be something that could pull the community together," Clark told the Mashpee Enterprise. "The time is right to retire the Red Raider mascot and determine the next chapter for Barnstable."

Changing the mascot would require the approval of the school committee. The question is likely to be on the agenda for the Aug. 5 meeting.

The potential retirement of the Red Raider mascot comes amid a nationwide reckoning with racism following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody. It also follows in the footsteps of the Washington football team deciding change their mascot.

Other Massachusetts schools, including Braintree High School, are also considering getting rid of their Native American Mascots. Thousands signed a petition to rename the Braintree High School mascot, the Wamps.