Keyport Schools Vote To Keep Native American Mascot

KEYPORT, NJ-- The Keyport Board of Education voted 6-4 to keep the Red Raider name and related imagery.

The Red Raiders had faced some criticism in recent weeks for using Native American imagery, including arrowheads and a chief wearing a headdress.

Keyport does not have an official mascot, but it was the other images that raised concerns for Aaron Bowers, an alumnus of Keyport High School. He said the imagery was offensive to Native Americans, and wanted to see that changed.

“They didn’t have to listen to me, and they did," Bowers told the Asbury Park Press. “They went into the community and listened and they took a vote on it. (Holding a vote) was the right thing to do and I’m glad they did it. I think the vote being close says a lot to the truth I was trying to tell everybody.”

Many students and other alumni rallied for the name, leading a "Save The Red Raider" campaign.

Image via Keyport High School