NEW:
SAUGATUCK, Mich. (AP) — The man who painted a mural of an American Indian at a school gym in 1975 says he’s willing to cover it up if the western Michigan district drops the nickname. The superintendent and school board president in Saugatuck say it’s time to reexamine the Indians nickname. The 800-student district discussed the issue Monday during a school board meeting held by video conference. John Fox, a member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, painted the mural decades ago. He says he'd paint a new logo at no charge. The board didn’t take a vote Monday, although many public speakers were in favor of dropping the nickname.
ORIGINAL POST:
SAUGATUCK, Mich. (AP) — A school district in western Michigan is suggesting it might drop its Indians nickname. Saugatuck says the name will be discussed at a Monday school board meeting, which will be conducted by video conference. Superintendent Tim Travis and school board President Nathan Lowery says it's time to “reexamine the use” of the Indians nickname and mascot in light of recent events. Saugatuck is in Allegan County, 40 miles southwest of Grand Rapids. The school board in Paw Paw in Van Buren County voted in March to drop Redskins.