South Burlington discusses Rebels mascot

SOUTH BURLINGTON – The Rebel may be on its way out of South Burlington.

Though the high school mascot was removed about 20 years ago, the nickname remained and some residents say its time for things to change.

Since the shootings at a historic black church in South Carolina on June 17 and the decision to stop flying the Confederate Flag on the grounds of the South Carolina Statehouse, there has been increased scrutiny nationwide of the Southern-rooted flag.

When South Burlington High School opened in 1961 their mascot was the Rebels and it was fashioned after a Southern solider because the city had seceded from Burlington many years prior, said Bob Walsh.

Walsh, who was teacher at the high school for 18 years, said he believes the mascot is associated with the racist policies of the confederacy. Dropping the Captain Rebel mascot is not enough, he said.

"It was unintentional, I'm sure, but it's still connected to that," Walsh said. "I think it's time for us to recognize the fact that this symbol is inappropriate and it's time to change."

Several similar emails to Superintendent David Young and posts on Front Porch Forum sparked a conversation at the Wednesday School Board Meeting.

"There are a variety of folks who feel it's extremely appropriate and others feel it's not as appropriate," Young said, referring to the "Rebels" nickname.

Walsh was the only member of the public to speak out of a crowd of about 15 people.

Elizabeth Fitzgerald, chairwoman of the board, said when she grew up in Chittenden County and participated in events against South Burlington school, she never recalled any reference to the rebels being affiliated with the Confederacy.

The decision to remove the Southern solider also preceded Fitzgerald's time on the School Board, she said. She is entering her 11th year on the board.

Julie Beatty, a School Board member and South Burlington High School alum, said she never associated the mascot with the Confederacy during her time as a student, and said she doesn't think students today associate the mascot with the southern rebels.

The board decided to gather more public opinion before making a decision. Young said the topic will be open for public comment at the next School Board meeting in September.

Rice Memorial High School changed its nickname from the Little Indians to the Green Knights about 10 years ago. Champlain Valley Union changed from the Crusaders to the Redhawks several years ago.

This story was first posted online on Aug. 19, 2015. Contact Haley Dover at 660-1850 or hdover@freepressmedia.com. Follow Haley on Twitter at www.twitter.com/HaleyRDover.