WAKEFIELD, Mass. — Voters are voicing their opinion on the fate of a controversial school mascot in Wakefield. The entire town is so divided over its Warrior logo. Residents will hold a hold vote on whether it should be retired.
Even though the school committee voted last month five to two to retire the high school’s Native American Warrior logo and the superintendent is already in the process of developing a new logo, some residents are pushing back.
A group of 15 people in town who want to keep the current logo petitioned the town council to place the ballot question in Tuesday’s election. It’s non-binding, which means the vote doesn’t have any legal authority, but it gives people the opportunity to weigh in.
The chair for “Vote No on Question 1” says most kids now understand the debate behind the logo, but others say it isn’t meant to be offensive or derogatory.
“I think they’re aware because of this larger social justice movement that’s happening across the country,” said Nicole Calabrese, the Chair for Vote No on 1. “A lot of kids feel embarrassed to wear it today.”
Opposing signs have been displayed across Wakefield for weeks now. One side is urging people to preserve the logo; the other is asking residents to support the school committee’s vote to say goodbye to the Native American imagery.
“There are those who think imagery like this honors Native Americans. Overwhelming[ly], Native Americans are telling us, no, it doesn’t. It reinforces harmful stereotypes,” said Greg Liakos, one of the five Wakefield School Committee members who voted to retire the logo.
“There’s a Native American family here in Wakefield, and they’re very much in favor of keeping the logo because it preserves tradition, legacy, and their pride,” said Brandon Flanagan, who is running for town council. “So I believe it’s something that we need to listen to the people.”
Voters will also have the chance to elect a new school committee on Tuesday. Liakos, who’s running for reelection, said he’s still confident that the community will support the decision to retire the logo.
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“I’ve made my decision, and if I had to make it again, I’d make it in the same way,” Liakos explained. “This kind of imagery is harmful to children and harmful to students.”
For years, Indigenous people and others have criticized Native American imagery in sport and school logos. However, many in the predominantly white town of less than 30,000 don’t see a problem with it.
School districts across the state have been retiring Native American mascots and logos. State officials also recently launched a commission to study and recommend changes to the Massachusetts motto and seal.
“It’s a warrior. It can’t be offensive, it’s just a picture,” said Daniel Lee. “I think people are taking it too seriously. If you’re going to lose a friendship over a warrior symbol, you have issues!”
Those who petitioned to get the issue on the ballot hope if the majority votes to keep the logo, the newly formed school committee will reconsider its decision to retire it. Residents are also voting for local town offices. The polls close at 8 pm.
Cox Media Group
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