(KAIR)--Community input continues to be gained regarding future mascots for the Atchison Public Schools.

That comes as a committee is formed to study the issue following the USD 409 Board of Education’s unanimous vote in April to retire the Atchison Middle School’s “Braves” mascot and Atchison High School’s “Redmen” mascot due to cultural insensitivity towards Native-Americans.

The 30 person committee’s first meeting was held Tuesday, intended for the members to assess the results of a recent community survey asking respondents whether multiple mascots should be used at various grade levels, or if the district should use one mascot for all levels.

On Wednesday, another survey was released online, asking for community input into the mascot/color scheme.

The survey asks respondents to provide their input on the new 6-12 or K-12 mascot, with the first question stating that “the committee has narrowed down suggestions of a unified mascot,” and explains that “a unified mascot would not be the Aviators name from the Atchison Elementary School” if a unified mascot for K-12 is ultimately chosen. Respondents are asked to select whether a unified mascot should be chosen for grades K-12 or grades 6-12.

Another of the several questions asks “should USD 409 have a Unified Color Scheme,” clarifying that red and gold will be the colors used if a unified color is selected.

The final question asks for input regarding a possible mascot name, with the survey stating that “all names have to fit the guidelines of the USD 409 non-discriminatory policy,” and that “names that are culturally and racially insensitive will not be considered appropriate suggestions for the committee’s consideration.”
Atchison High School Principal Lacy Warren, in an email sent to MSC News Wednesday, said the survey is the second in the process and will be open from now until May 31.

The survey can be found here.

The mascot input committee is comprised of three school board members, various numbers of school administrators, teachers, students, parents, and community members.