Melrose Principal Pushes To Remove 'Red Raider' From Mascot

MELROSE, MA — Melrose High School principal Jason Merrill says it's time to move away from the school's "red raider" mascot.

In a statement to the Melrose community Monday, Merrill says he wants to start a collaborative plan with students and the community to remove the red raider and identify a new mascot during the upcoming school year.

Merrill says the school has already taken admirable steps to move away from the offensive Native American imagery, first by removing the cartoon mascot, followed by the dream catcher the school had used in its place.

"We know that the red raider has also been depicted as a Viking, a bandit, and even has ties to a WWII fighter squadron," Merrill said in the statement. "But, I simply cannot deny the connection between the red raider or raider and offensive Native American imagery."

Merrill noted that some may disagree with the idea, but the principal says he will stand firm on his choice. "I am making this decision because 5 years ago I signed a contract to take responsibility for what I consider the most important building and people in our city, and I think that this is right for our school."

School districts across Massachusetts have been turning away from Native American monikers, mascots, and logos recently. From Shrewsbury to Braintree, Massachusetts towns are looking for legislation to remove all Native American imagery from schools.

Back in March, neighboring town Wakefield almost tore itself apart debating the school's Native American "Warriors" mascot. The town decided to remove the logo, but the sports teams are still called the "Warriors."

Merrill says the school will continue to wear red and white, as they always have.