BELMONT, N.C. — Becky Gaither can trace her family's Native American roots back generations.
What You Need To Know
The mascot for South Point High School, the Red Raider, has become an issue of debate
A petition has gathered thousands of signatures to "retire" the school's mascot
Native American woman and parent Becky Rice Gaither said the mascot is racist and derogatory
Leaders with the district say the Board of Education does not have a policy that addresses school mascots
"My family is from the Cowichan Tribe, originally from the border of Washington and Canada. My great-grandfather was one of the chiefs of the Cowichans. The Cowichan people are actually a lot of coastal tribes," Becky Rice Gaither said.
Gaither moved to North Carolina and has made the Belmont community home with her children and grandchildren. Her son attended South Point High School, which to Gaither's surprise has a red-faced mascot of a Native American.
"I was shocked, and we should call it what it is, it's racist. We as a people, our entire race, is deduced down to an image that is displayed on everyone’s clothing, the walls in the classroom, in the gym, and that's all people know of a Native American," Gaither said.
She has attended several Gaston County Schools Board of Education meetings, asking board members to remove the South Point mascot.
A statement from Todd Hagans, the communications officers for the school district, said the school board does not have a mascot policy.
"The mascot for South Point High School has become an issue of debate among some people associated with the Belmont community and others from outside the Belmont community. Some say the South Point mascot is tradition while others say it is inappropriate. The Board of Education has not conducted a formal discussion/meeting about the issue nor has the Board taken action; however, the Board has heard from citizens (both proponents and opponents) during the public expression portion of Board of Education meetings.
The Board of Education does not have a policy that addresses school mascots. Traditionally, school colors, logos, mascots, etc. are determined at the school level based on information and recommendations from a committee that is usually made up of school and community representatives. For example, when Stuart W. Cramer High School opened in 2013, a school/community committee was responsible for selecting the school colors and the “Storm” mascot. Several years ago, Pinewood Elementary decided to change its mascot to the “Porcupines” based on feedback and recommendations from its school community. In 2021, a school committee chose the “Phoenix” mascot for the new Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences.
When a change such as the ones mentioned above comes to the Board of Education, it is done more so for informational purposes rather than to seek the Board’s approval. Changing a mascot should start with a conversation at the school and community levels since it is at this level where school mascots, colors, logos, etc. are typically determined."
During October's school board meeting several community members who are part of the growing group, Retire the Red Raider, held a protest outside the meeting. Gaither attended and also spoke at the meeting.
Those in support of the mascot say it's a tradition.
“Its just the way I grew up, and I’ve always been proud of the Indian and the symbol that it represents, the Red Raider spirit and the pride," community member Janet Walls said.
A petition asking for the removal has garnered thousands of signatures.
Gaither says for generations, Native Americans have been fighting to correct the image of natives, not as savages.
“I’m still battling the same image of somebody saying to me, 'This is what you are.' Now my granddaughter, she’s 6 years old, and she goes to school, and she shouldn’t have to pull out her Native American tribal card to justify who she is. Because we have ingrained wrong stereotypical images in children, not only in the history books but being displayed in the school," Gaither said.
Gaither says the mascot should go back to the original image, an eagle. According to the athletic boosters it was changed to the Red Raider in the '60s.