Union Public Schools To Discuss Mascot Change

Union Public Schools will reevaluate its "Redskins" mascot at Monday night's school board meeting.

The "Redskins" have been Union's mascot for the last 75 years, but some feel a change is long overdue. This will mark the second time in 17 years the school board will decide on the controversial mascot. During the 2002-2003 school year, the board considered changing the mascot but decided to keep it.

Current Superintendent Dr. Kirt Hartzler says the district has been having internal conversations for some time about possibly changing the mascot. He's said he will recommend that the school board form a committee to study the issue, which will then make a final recommendation to the board at a later time.

Since this is such a hot-button issue, the district is expecting a bigger crowd than normal at Monday night's meeting.

The school board meeting will start at 7 p.m. in the Service Center. They will take a break at some point before reconvening at Union's Performing Arts Center around 7:45 p.m. The district hopes the PAC will be a large enough space to accommodate the crowd while maintaining physical distancing.

The district said masks will be required, temperatures will be taken, and that a COVID-screening will occur for those planning to attend. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.

A live stream will be also available on Union's YouTube page for those who wish to watch from home. LIVE STREAM LINK.