Western New York school board votes to change nickname from Redskins

By jabarnett13 | March 16, 2015 10:39 pm ET

Supporter holds up sign (WGRZ)

The Lancaster (N.Y.) School District unanimously passed a resolution to change its controversial “Redskins” nickname during a special school board meeting Monday night.

The school board believed the nickname was offensive to Native Americans, and outweighed the demand to keep the nickname, which had been in place for decades.

<strong>RELATED:</strong> Video from the meeting

While the school board was commenting on the resolution, they were frequently interrupted by the crowd, which is estimated to have been more than 100 people. At one point, Lancaster School Board president Kenneth Graber told the crowd they were acting like children.

Prior to vote, every board member so far has strongly demanded nickname change. "There is no pride in schools boycotting our games." @WGRZ

— Danny Spewak (@DannySpewakWGRZ) March 16, 2015

No major escalation after decision. Supporters of nickname quietly left room. Native Americans in attendance shook hands with board. @WGRZ

— Danny Spewak (@DannySpewakWGRZ) March 16, 2015

The board cited boycotts by three local schools against playing their sports teams as an important reason to change the name, saying keeping the name harmed their students. Lacrosse teams from the Akron, Lake Shore and Niagara-Wheatfield school districts all decided to boycott playing Lancaster while the nickname was still in place. All three school districts have significant Native American populations.

The Seneca Nation of Indians has spoken out against the nickname, saying it is a racial slur.

Lancaster, Lancaster NY, Name change, redskins, News