WEST HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) – In February, the West Hartford Town Council voted to change the names of Conard High School Leaders and Hall High School Warriors.
Now, it seems some people in town want to keep the name. A petition has been drafted.
One group said it contacted the tribal council of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation and said the tribe found the current names to be “a respectful use of names, images and symbols that recognize the history and Native American culture.”
The name change comes after a new law was passed in June that prohibits public schools from receiving funding from the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan foundations if a school uses a nickname or mascot deemed offensive.
At a recent Board of Education meeting, advocates shared what the leader of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation had to say about keeping the original names intact.
“If Native American tribe members in Connecticut tell us they are honored by these names and want to continue using them, then we will challenge who they are,” said Scott Zweig of West End. Hartford said.
“The strongest thing that Chief [Richard] Velky [said]The removal of current Native American names and images from our schools and teams is another act of genocide against Native Americans,” another advocate said.
This topic is not on the town Board of Education’s agenda for Tuesday’s meeting at 7 p.m.; However, parents and residents said they plan to attend and bring it up.
It seems some people in West Hartford want to keep the mascot’s name. A petition has been drafted.
In February, West Hartford town council voted to change the names of the Conard Chieftains and Hall Warriors.
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