Winchester School Committee Removes Sachem Mascot

WINCHESTER, MA — After years of debate, the Winchester School Committee voted unanimously Tuesday night to remove the Winchester High School Native American mascot, Sachem.

The five-hour Zoom meeting included a public comment portion where residents on both sides of the issue voiced their opinions. Those in favor of the mascot removal claimed the Sachem mascot perpetuated white supremacy and a racist view of Native American people.

Those who argued against the mascot removal said that the Sachem symbol represented leadership in Winchester and that many athletes and students have fond memories of the school attached to it.

The superintendent will bring a plan to the School Committee detailing the cost of a new mascot and how long the transition will take. Winchester joined several other districts in the commonwealth in discussing school mascots that have racial connotations.

In Walpole, the School Committee unanimously voted last month to change the high school's Rebel mascot. The mascot had connections to the Confederacy, anti-abolitionists and segregationists in the 1960s, opponents argued.

In Braintree, more than 3,000 people signed a petition to remove and replace the high school mascot, the Wamps. Opponent called it a racist and outdated stereotype.

A similar petition gained traction in Tewksbury this month as more than 4,000 people signed a petition to rename the Tewksbury Memorial High School mascot, the Redmen.