'It's very disrespectful:' Community members pressure Tecumseh district to change mascot

Tecumseh Public Schools' mascot is the topic of controversy in the district's community after a regular meeting of its Board of Education Monday evening.

The schools' mascot is called "The Savages," with a Native American head depicted on the logo. Some community members feel this is inappropriate because of the use of "savage" as a derogatory term towards Native Americans throughout history.

The push for change

Though there was not an item on the Board of Education meeting agenda to address a change in mascot, several community members used the public comment period to put pressure on Board members.

"What is the point in taking pride in something that is a racial slur?" one speaker in Native American dress said. "We could be proud in a more respectful term and something that is more uplifting."

One Tecumseh High School parent and alumni, Courtney Young, shares the same sentiment.

"I feel like it's very disrespectful to the Native Americans in the community and at the school that something that, you know, it's a hurtful word for them," Young said.

According to the district, more than 40% of the student population is a member of a Native American tribe.

"Whenever they were called a savage, it wasn't in a 'Oh, that's so cool' kind of way. It was, you know, you're lesser than me," Young said.

Support for "The Savages"

Other community members voiced support for the mascot name at the board meeting.

"I also think it should be taken into account how many people are proud to be Savages, which means we are fierce," a speaker in attendance said.

On social media, other alumni chimed in saying they were proud to be a Tecumseh Savage and claiming it would be a financial burden for the school to change its mascot.

What's next?

The Tecumseh Public Schools Board of Education took no action at Monday's meeting, but those pushing for change are hopeful it will be on a board meeting agenda in the future.

"I think it at least deserves to be put on the agenda. It deserves a vote," Young said.

The Board of Education said in a statement to News 9, "Board members will continue to dedicate themselves to listening to the community and making decisions about whether to change or keep the current mascot of Tecumseh Public Schools."

The full statement can be read below: