COLLEGE PARK, Maryland — Across the country, there are at least 49 high schools who use the Redskins mascot. Over the past few years, many of these schools have been forced to rethink their use of the nickname.
At least 41 schools have changed the name in recent years — as a result of community reflection, state mandates or societal backlash — prompting resistance from many in the surrounding communities.
At a high school in Tulare, California, the state forced the mascot to be changed, to the chagrin of some die-hard Redskins mascot supporters.
?❤️ ? pic.twitter.com/fmJxJQCj87
— Tulare Union Cheer? (@tucheer) June 3, 2016
Because a mere law can't take this away from us. WE ARE REDSKINS 'TILL THE DAY WE DIE! ❤️? #foreverredskins pic.twitter.com/4MZT29qzDL
— ilenia ? (@ilevaldovinos) May 5, 2015
So much pride for my school! #RedskinsForever ❤️ pic.twitter.com/C2rDtMkmX3
— Holly Shaw (@Holly_Shaw17) November 7, 2015
#Redskinsforever pic.twitter.com/YtWjTzNeNk
— Tulare Union Cheer? (@tucheer) June 3, 2016
At Lamar High School in Houston, Texas, the sentiment is similar.
Once a #Redskin, always a #Redskin. #ForeverRedskins pic.twitter.com/vyrOh6L4rf
— Lamar Redskins (@LamarRedskins) April 15, 2014
At a high school in Port Townsend, Washington, the mascot was replaced but some are hesitant to embrace the change.
The change was also made at a school in Lancaster, New York.
Lancaster Board Votes Down "Redskins" Nicknamehttps://t.co/j6lR5pXhyK#NotYourMascot #INDIGENOUS #TAIRP pic.twitter.com/T7eIrhjdcE
— Indigenous (@AmericanIndian8) March 17, 2017
Last time the "Redskins" will be rolled out. Getting refinished tomorrow. Sad, but on to the next. #oncearedskin pic.twitter.com/Sau8qjQbzr
— Lancaster Wrestling (@LancWrestle) June 18, 2015
Though some schools have gone through official name changes, others seem to cling to a “once a Redskin, always a Redskin” mentality.