Caledonia schools are changing the name of their sports teams from the Confederates.
The Lowndes County School District Board unanimously voted Friday to work with students, faculty and alumni in an effort to change the name of its athletic teams, which have been called the Confederates since the 1950s. Under the motion passed, the new name will be announced to the public within 60 days.
This decision comes on the heels of the state of Mississippi deciding to remove a state flag bearing a Confederate battle emblem in late June.
“I know Mr. Sam (Allison) has done a survey of the community, and the survey pretty much came back 50-50,” LCSD board member Brian Clark said. “I know some in the community view it as an offensive issue. I think the board needs to take a leadership issue and look at both sides of it. What I did, is I went to the Bible.”
Clark referenced a Bible verse, Romans 14: “Let us not pass judgement on one another any longer. Rather decide to never put a stumbling block or a hindrance in the way of a brother.”
District Superintendent Sam Allison commended the board for its decision.
“We’ve got a really good board and they’re there to make tough decisions,” Allison said. “I just commend them today for making a tough decision but doing what’s best for kids. That’s what we need to do.”
The Dispatch will provide full coverage of Friday’s board meeting in Sunday’s edition.
Hodge is the former sports editor for The Dispatch.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 33 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
