WEYAUWEGA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Weyauwega-Fremont School District is apparently considering a change to the high school’s “Indians” nickname.
Nationwide, the issue of nicknames related to Native Americans has received additional scrutiny in recent months. Actions have included the NFL team in nation’s capital now just referring to itself as the “Washington Football Team,” pending selection of a new nickname.
According to the agenda from the Weyauwega-Fremont school board’s Committee of the Whole on Aug. 10, “A discussion will be held to decide whether or not the Weyauwega-Fremont School District will put an advisory question on the November Presidential Election ballot to determine if the school district should discontinue the Indian mascot.”
That agenda also included two possible forms for a question for the Nov. 3 ballot.
One, labeled “Type A,” states: “Do you support the retiring of the Weyauwega/Fremont School District’s school mascot “Indians” and adopting a new mascot?”
The second, labeled “Type C,” has the same question, but then also offers an explanation that a “yes” vote would approve retiring the mascot and allow the district to seek other options, and a “no” vote “is a vote to keep the school mascot for the Weyauwega/Fremont School District as the “Indians”.”
Neither document states if the referendum would be advisory or binding.
Minutes for the meeting have not been posted. When Fox 11 asked for additional details about what happened at the Aug. 10 session, and what might be included on the agenda for Monday’s school board meeting, district administrator Phillip Tubbs provided this statement: “We are currently working with our legal advisors and have no comment on the topic.”
An email to School Board President Mark Alberts was not answered Wednesday.
According to the district’s website, the board usually meets on the fourth Monday of every month at 6 p.m. An agenda for Aug. 24 had not been posted on the district’s website as of early Wednesday afternoon.
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