Despite Outcry, School Committee Votes To Keep Tewksbury High's 'Redman' Nickname, Logo

A Massachusetts high school is keeping its Native American-themed nickname and logo despite outcry from some that it is derogatory.

The Tewksbury School Committee went against the superintendent's recommendation and voted 4-1 on Wednesday to keep the Redmen nickname.

Resident Bob Payne tells The Sun of Lowell that supporters of the nickname and logo have pride in their community.

Jayne Miller, the only committee member to vote against the name, said "To pretend that the name refers to anything other than the color of skin and the ethnic group is wrong."

Although some Native American groups had expressed opposition to the nickname, the Greater Lowell Indian Cultural Association said it supported the name and logo as long as they were given "dignity and respect" and displayed in a historically accurate manner.