TURNERS FALLS — The two dueling groups on either side of the Turners Falls High School mascot debate are speaking again ahead of the nonbinding referendum on the issues on May 15, with advocates of changing the mascot calling for a boycott of the referendum as those who want to keep the mascot prepare for the vote.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the group that supports the school committee and changing the mascot, calling themselves “Community Members for Civil Rights.” said they planned to boycott the referendum question by leaving it blank, citing the non-binding nature of the question and the fact that the group does not believe in voting on the rights of a “numerical and marginalized minority.”
“Change is never an easy process,” the statement, sent by David Detmold and Bob Mahler, said. “Social change is even more difficult when passions and pride run deep. But the school committee’s decision to change the “Indian” mascot at Turners Falls High School in no way diminishes our community’s pride in the athletic accomplishments of our students and coaches over the many years.”
The group said that Native Americans in the area have supported the change.
“There are on average three Native American students in our district schools each year. Tribal representatives from around the region have been unanimous in support of the school committee’s decision to change from a racially-based mascot that stereotypes Native people.”
However, on the other side of the debate, the group known on Facebook as “Save the TF Indians Logo” has been preparing for the referendum since the group was able to add it to the ballots in Montague and Erving (the Gill Selectboard voted against adding it to the Gill ballot).
The group has made T-shirts and yard signs with “Overturn the Vote” — referencing the Gill-Montague Regional School Committee 6-3 vote to change the school’s mascot in February.
In a statement sent by one of the group’s leaders, Chris Pinardi, he said the vote was meant as a way to guide the town and the School Committee as to whether the town wanted the change, or if it should be studied further.
“The Save the TF Indians Logo group and their supporters have always said that all we want is a say on this issue,” Pinardi said. “We think the vote is an important step in a decision on whether to change the history of this community or retain it as the Indians but alter the logo to be more regionally representative.”
“It’s unfortunate that Mr. Detmold feels his position is so weak that he would attempt to circumvent the democratic process and not allow ‘his’ voice to be counted,” Pinardi said. “The Save the TF Indians Logo group will continue to urge all registered voters in the towns of Montague and Erving to get out and vote no matter your opinion on this issue.”
The referendum will not affect the school committee’s vote on the issue in any way. It will be on the May 15 ballot along with town and school committee elections. Absentee ballots are available until May 11.