A group of Turners Falls High School alumni have created a Facebook group to show support for changing the school’s mascot, currently an Indian.
That group, which is called “TF Alumni Who Think a New Mascot Would Be Fine” has 68 members. The group doesn’t have one specific goal or mindset, but is for anyone who thinks it’s OK if the school changes the mascot.
“Your reason(s) for supporting that change can be whatever you please!” The description of the group, written by creator Jen Homes, said. “Some examples include: your perceived high school experience and subsequent identity do not hinge upon a consistent mascot, American Indians have been asking sports teams to stop using them as mascots for years, so maybe we should honor that, It’s just a mascot, you have an idea for an EVEN BETTER MASCOT. What is it? share it!”
The description also says the group is for those who are neutral on the issue but don’t mind changing it because others are offended.
The group comes at a time when the Gill-Montague Regional School Committee is debating whether to keep the mascot.
Kathy Webber, a member of the group, said she joined to feel solidarity with other alumni who want to see a change.
“So many people in town believe that everyone who wants to change the Indian logo are “outsiders,” but I’ve lived here most of my life, and I believe in standing with Native Americans who find the logo/mascot to be disrespectful to their culture,” she said. “We would not do that to other ethnic groups.”
Many alumni of the high school are more outspoken in support of keeping the mascot. The “Save the TF Indian Logo” Facebook page has about 500 likes and the core group of supporters for the mascot has also circulated an online petition with over 1,200 signatures.
The School Committee, which will have the deciding vote on keeping or replacing the mascot, has held two public forums where members of the public have voiced concerns on both sides of the issue.
Now, the committee is holding four educational events for its members and the public to learn about different perspectives. The first event, held Wednesday night was from a historical perspective. There will be one event that is entirely from the alumni perspective on Jan. 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school’s auditorium.
Reach Miranda Davis at
413-772-0261 ext. 280 or
mdavis@recorder.com.