Thousands Sign Petition To Change Braintree High School Mascot

BRAINTREE, MA — Nearly 3,500 people have signed a petition to rename the Braintree High School mascot, the "Wamps." Signers called the mascot a racist and outdated stereotype.

The petition was started three weeks ago amid a nationwide reckoning with racism following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody. Other Massachusetts high schools have also considered changing their mascots, including Tewksbury High School. The Walpole School Committee voted unanimously to change their mascot, the "Redmen."

The mascot comes from Chief Josiah Wampatuck, leader of the Mattakeesett tribe. In 1665, Wampatuck signed the Braintree Indian Deed, giving colonists the land that is now Braintree, Quincy, Holbrook and Randolph. The deed remains in the town clerk's office. The logo Braintree High School uses depicts a Native American man in a feathered headdress.

Petition creator Lauren Kaye called the school's nickname and logo "extremely distasteful."

"Every year, students dress up in feathered costumes and face paint, running through the halls replicating 'Native American chants,'" Kaye wrote. "These racist practices are unacceptable, yet continue to be allowed and encouraged by the use of this mascot."

As of Tuesday afternoon, 3,493 people have signed the petition calling on the name to be changed. Other residents however do not agree that the mascot is racist. Around 1,000 people have signed a counter-petition in support of keeping the "Wamp" mascot.

"Save the culture and history of the Braintree Wamps," petition creator Matt Curtin said. "Where students and athletes take pride in being a Wamp, in which they do not intend to be racist and disrespectful. Once a Wamp Always a Wamp."

At Monday's School Committee meeting, Chairman Tom Devin acknowledged the committee received the petition. He said the matter will be reviewed by the School Committee's policy and education subcommittee, the Patriot Ledger reported.