PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend School Board has created a committee to examine the use of the Redskins high school mascot and whether the symbol should be changed to accommodate those who find it offensive.
The eight-member committee will have its first meeting at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 8 in the Gael Stuart Building, 1610 Blaine St. The meeting is open to the public.
“We will have an open discussion that will reflect strong opinions on both sides,” said School Board member Anne Burkart, who is the committee’s board representative, on Tuesday.
“Hopefully, we will come to a conclusion that is acceptable to everyone.”
The new committee will meet monthly throughout the school year before presenting its findings to the School Board, which will then decide to keep or change the team name.
The discussion began this year when a parent complained about the use of Redskins as a team name, saying it was offensive.
At several meetings, the School Board heard both that the name was an offensive racial slur that teaches the wrong message to students and, conversely, that it is a source of school pride that has nothing to do with race.
The committee members were announced Monday.
Along with Burkart, committee members are Chris Crubaugh, a retired teacher and principal; Vic Dirksen, retired Jefferson Healthcare administrator; Gideon Cauffman, Jamestown S’Klallam tribal cultural resource specialist; Yvonne Starkey, Port Townsend Paper Corp. engineer; Walter McQuillen, Makah tribal member; David Backman, Port Townsend High School alumnus and Redskins Booster Club member; and Frank Garred, retired publisher of the Port Townsend-Jefferson County Leader weekly newspaper.
The panel will be facilitated by Mary Ann Seward, a consultant who has worked for the schools and the county and is the former director of Jumping Mouse. She is receiving $300 per meeting, not to exceed eight meetings.
Port Townsend Schools Superintendent David Engle will serve as the committee’s secretary.
“I am more interested in the process than the outcome,” Burkart said, adding, “I think we will be able to tamp down some of the rhetoric that has come from both sides to find a solution.”
Burkart said some people on the committee have preconceived notions, though she does not.
“My own political leanings tend to be conservative and think that sometimes political correctness can run amok,” she said.
“On the other hand, what is the benefit of having a mascot that offends even one person when there are so many other choices available?”
In September, a resolution was passed by the state Board of Education recommending that school districts discontinue using mascots with Native American themes, encouraging districts to review and re-evaluate mascot policies and saying mascots related to Native Americans may have an adverse affect on students.
School Board President Jennifer James Wilson has said the resolution, which is non-binding, would be part of the discussion during the meetings.
Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
