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Nickname debate playing out again, this time in western New York

Mike Desmond
/
WBFO News

Passions are running high in another ongoing discussion regarding the use of the name "Redskin" for a mascot. This time, it's in western New York, where Lancaster High School has had the name for nearly 70 years, and Native Americans are again arguing the term is an offensive slur. 

Earlier this week, hundreds of supporters and detractors sat down in the school's cafeteria to share their thoughts on the controversial matter.

One speaker suggested district residents vote on keeping or discarding the name. But among the approximately 400 people in the cafeteria for the meeting, support for keeping the name is overwhelming.

Seneca Nation of Indians lawyer Martin Seneca says the name should be changed.                        

"Redskins is a pejorative term, that ought not to be used. There are other pejorative terms that are used for other racial groups that we do not use and I don't see any difference between those pejorative terms and this," Seneca said.

"And so, therefore, all that we are interested in doing is for the community to focus on that and say: Hey, this is probably the right thing to do."

Seneca was there with Nation President Maurice John.

Courtney Tranquilli is a Lancaster eighth grader, cheerleader and member of the track and field team who wants the name kept.
                    
"It shows a great sense of pride in Lancaster community and we never mean to offend anybody and every time we go out for a sporting event, we always say: Like let's do it Redskins and so I feel like it shows pride in the name," Tranquilli said.

“Redskins isn’t a racist term,” said student and lacrosse player Travis Mueller said. “A Redskin is a warrior. That’s what most people don’t look at. A Redskin is a warrior.” 

There was no immediate decision on whether or not to change Lancaster's sports name.