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Local school district drops Native American nickname, mascot

301 views · Published 26 November 2018 · 2:24 · Indexed 30 September 2026

Channel: LOCAL 12 · 2018 · News & Politics

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OXFORD, Ohio (WKRC) - A local school district has dropped its Native American nickname and mascot. 

The Talawanda School District in Oxford will no longer be called the "Braves," and the reactions to the decision are mixed.

Over the past half-century, the Talawanda Braves mascot has evolved from what many would now consider an offensive caricature to a silhouette with a tomahawk and the letter "T" to a silhouette and letter only. But on a 3-2 vote, the school board decided to just use the "T" for Talawanda and change the nickname from "Braves" to "Brave," as in courageous.

"This is an emotionally charged topic. There was a lot of passionate speakers last night, sharing their thoughts and feelings with the school board," said Holly Morrish, the school district's spokesperson.

The Talawanda District has 3,000 students. The divide reflects the divide in the community.

"Being a Talawanda Brave -- it's everything I have ever known. Being a third-generation Talawanda Brave and the history behind is something I keep very dear to my heart because my grandpa was at Talawanda; my dad was at Talawanda. My uncle played on one of the only teams that made the playoffs for football, so it's always been near and dear to my heart," said high school junior, Dalton Norris.

"I felt like I could speak a little bit about that as a woman of color in the Talawanda School District," said high school senior, Maya Meade.

Meade told the school board a stereotype mascot can lead to prejudice, even if those who support it mean no harm.

"I understand wanting to keep it because it's a tradition. I understand that they personally are not being racist or offensive, but I also think that if anyone is hurting in any way, then why is that even a question to be asking?" Meade said.

The visual change will be gradual. Old trophies will stay, so will the student-sculpted Indian head. Uniforms will only be replaced as they wear out, and the word "Braves" will stay on the basketball court and football field until it's time to resurface, but officially, the name is now different.

"Those are thoughts that we need to keep in mind as we move forward on this new path that we're on," said Morrish.

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