Wis. law lets residents challenge race-based mascots - USATODAY.com: The homecoming pep rally Friday at Kewaunee High School will have extra drama this year: Everyone in town will learn whether they'll be rooting for the River Bandits or the Storm to beat the Valders Vikings in the big football game.
The selection of a new nickname is the culmination of a sometimes painful few months in this town of 2,745. Under a new state law meant to eliminate race-based nicknames, logos and mascots, a complaint prompted the Kewaunee School District to drop the 'Indians' name that had been in use here since 1936.
'This has been a tough time,' says Sandi Christman, who chaired a committee that got the whole community involved in the selection of a new name and mascot. 'It's like losing a friend.'
To ease the sting, the school board decided to seek suggestions from students and residents. Almost 200 ideas were submitted. The 13-member committee, which included four students, narrowed the list to six: River Bandits, Storm, Cougars, Hawks, Knights and Huskies.
