Good afternoon community members, I hope 2024 is off to a good start. As we move into a new year I wanted to speak briefly to a matter that has come to my attention as a school committee member; that of our name & mascot in Barnstable Public Schools.
The objective of a school name and mascot is to signify something the community values, feels represented by, and brings a sense of unity. A school district’s name and mascot must also be respectful, culturally-proficient, and inspiring.
As I spend time in the district & attend various events, I see many community members wearing attire & speaking earnestly about our former school name and mascot; “Red Raiders”. At the same time, I see current students & recent graduates wearing attire & attempting to embrace our current name & mascot; “Red Hawks”. Seeing these optics coupled with feedback I’ve received from community members; a sense of unity appears to be lacking.
Moving into a new year therefore, I believe it’s important to examine our name & mascot in Barnstable Public Schools, to understand if it’s something the community values, feels represented by, and brings a sense of unity.
It’s also important to clarify, in my view, what the term “Raider” stands for. A Raider is “someone who advances on an enemy position, or into enemy territory”; “a person who takes spoils or plunder (as in battle).”
The term Raider is not particular to any cultural heritage, nor does it exclude those from particular backgrounds. Given our rich maritime history here in Barnstable, as well as centuries of service in the United States Armed Services; a “Raider” can represent a “mariner” or “servicemen”; roles available to & inclusive of all community members.
In conclusion, our name & mascot in Barnstable Public Schools is a matter of importance in 2024, amongst others; and feedback from the community is invaluable as we proceed forward in the new year.
Senior Counsel at Freeh Sporkin & Sullivan LLP
1wAcronis is a worthy global corporation that gives back to the countries it serves—-a corporate leader to emulate Judge(R) Eugene Sullivan Acronis Advisor for Ethics and Judicial Matters