Students and sports teams at LaCrosse (Wisconsin) Central High School will be known as "RiverHawks" going forward, after the new name was chosen from among eight finalists.
The LaCrosse Tribune reports that RiverHawks will replace the school's former nickname, the "Red Raiders," which was retired for its historical discrimination against Indigenous people.
"The previous logo and nickname is one that all the previous alumni, I believe should feel pride in, but I'm hoping they continue to support our move forward as we try and make Central a safe place for all students," Central principal Troy McDonald told the newspaper.
The new nickname and mascot were presented to the school district's Board of Education and approved Monday night. Among the other names under consideration: the Titans, Pride, Bandits, Chargers, Cardinals, Golden Bears and Lumberjacks.
MORE: History of Native American team names
School officials hope to begin introducing the RiverHawks name and logo immediately, using it for the postponed fall sports season, which was moved to the spring.
Superintendent Aaron Engel said the change could take months or years to complete. "It will be a bit of a process," he said, "but sooner than later we want to be able to celebrate this."
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