It’s time to retire offensive nicknames in Radnor
To the Times:
This is an open letter to the Radnor Township School Board and Township Commissioners.
I am outraged, offended and embarrassed that the Radnor Township School District would continue to misappropriate Native American symbolism, and connect it with offensive language and imagery that can be viewed as nothing short of racist. And now to see that Radnor Township is helping to lock in this racially offensive misappropriation and mischaracterization of Native American culture, and is doing so modern day, is nothing short of shocking.
In, or around 2013, Radnor School District had determined to stop using the Radnor Raider name and Native American imagery. The Indian head mascot was retired, the picture taken off of the gym, a new name was being selected, and Radnor was on a path of being decent and respectful towards the Native American people and culture who have so long been mistreated by white culture. It is now clear that you have reversed course and returned to the offensive imagery and language. The Indian head is back on the gym, the use of Indian feathers and other imagery are painted on school buildings, found on scoreboards, and are all over Senior 2020 signs, and the “Raider” name is back. And now the Township has supported this hateful bigotry by adding formal road signage locking in “Raider Rd” as the official name of the street leading to the high school.
It is time for the Radnor Township School Board and Radnor Township Commissioners to join civil society and reject the ongoing use of such racist imagery and language. The Radnor School District often speaks to the importance of inclusion, respect and caring – now is a time to demonstrate true leadership and to practice what you preach. There are many good name and mascot options: the Radnor Raptors, Radnor Red Cardinals, Radnor Red Foxes, Radnor Velvet Ants (yes that is a real creature), Radnor Red Efts, Radnor Ladybugs, Radnor Red Spiders, Radnor Poison Dart Frogs, Radnor Red Crabs, Radnor Red Snakes, Radnor Coral Snakes, Radnor Red Squirrels, Radnor Red Honeysuckle, Radnor Blood Moons, Radnor Fire, Radnor Heat ... I could go on and on as there are so many good options.
A response to this request that attempts to place cost or school history over decency will not be acceptable. Please take steps immediately to terminate the use of the name “Radnor Raiders” and the use of all Native American imagery – it is offensive and has no place in the Radnor community or education system.