Schools
Keyport Red Raider Mascot Causes Controversy
Do you think Keyport should remove the Native American imagery?
KEYPORT, NJ-- After one alumni raised concerns about the Keyport High School mascot, the Board of Education will open discussion to all at tonight's board workshop meeting, as first reported by the Asbury Park Press.
The Keyport Red Raiders don't have an official mascot, but other imagery raised red flags for alumnus Aaron Bowers. Football helmets feature an arrowhead logo, and a Native American in a ceremonial headdress is on the message board outside of the school.
"Discussion of the district mascot" is the first item of new business on the Keyport Board of Education Workshop meeting agenda for tonight, which begins at 7:30 PM.
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The superintendent Lisa Savoia told the APP this is a preliminary step to collect public opinion.
“The board wants to entertain input from all stakeholders, so they put it on as a discussion item,” Savoia said. “It is not scheduled for any action taken. The board wants to hear from the community. This is a very preliminary discussion and a component of the process.”
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Bower has been discussing this issue on his Twitter account as far back as November of 2015.
@CornellWBrooks I am trying to change my old schools mascot. They call themselves the RedRaiders/Indians. I am asking for the NAACP support
— Aaron (@A2theA2theR_O_N) November 3, 2015
There has been opposition to the idea of removing the mascot and related imagery. An image calling on residents to "Save The Red Raider" has been going around social media, calling for those in support of the mascot to coordinate efforts to speak at the meeting.
So apparently there is an event at the school to save the Red Raider mascot. Funny they didn't let me know about it. pic.twitter.com/b1T0lIgT6y
— Aaron (@A2theA2theR_O_N) September 29, 2016
Image via Keyport High School
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