FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — The rebel mascot debate has been brought back to the table at Franklin High School. More than 2,500 people have signed a petition demanding the school district change the school’s mascot.
In 1936, Franklin High School switched names from the pioneers to the rebels, and it’s been controversial.
Decades ago, Franklin High School did away with the confederate flag, and then the rebel mascot stopped showing up at sporting events.
Ed Clark said, “If it’s not going to change their hearts, what’s the point?”
Students and folks who signed the petition want the school to disassociate completely with the rebel name. Ed Clark was visiting Franklin from California and provided his perspective.
“I personally believe we’ve become so sensitive to everything, that we’re changing just for change sake," Clark said, "and at the end of the day, what are we getting out of it?”
Michael Dean lives in Franklin and works out by the school. He thinks the mascot should be changed.
“I went to high school in North Carolina, we were the rebels and we changed our name to the vikings, and personally I think it should probably go,” Dean said, “Whether the intention behind it is malicious or not, keeping the name of it makes some people in the community feel uncomfortable, then I think it should go, or if it makes people feel discriminated against, I think it should go.”
A Williamson County school district spokesperson said they’ve formed a committee to discuss the removal of the rebel mascot. More information is available here.
“If their intentions are to try to make right a wrong, I understand that,” Clark said.
School officials are receiving community input about it over the next week.
“If it’s truly offensive to people then I understand why it needs to be done, but if we’re just changing it because we think it’s the flavor of the week, then why do it?” Clark said.
If you would like to provide your input on Franklin High School’s rebel mascot, you can send an email to the committee at FHSmascot@wcs.edu.
