BELLEFONTE — Beginning in 2021-22, Bellefonte Area School District will be known just as the Raiders. After months of debate that has divided a community, the school board voted 6-3 to drop the word “Red” from its official nickname during a special meeting on Wednesday.
In order to move toward a logo that will not misrepresent or stereotype Native Americans, the board also moved to create a committee that will seek public input on a new graphical representation of the nickname “Raiders” that is not centered on any one group’s race, ethnicity or national origin.
The committee will be comprised of representatives from the student body, community, teachers and administrators. The board asked that the committee submit its top three recommendations to the board by the first directors meeting in November.