What’s in a nickname?

Sports teams at eastern Idaho’s Teton High School will still be known as the Redskins — at least for now.

District Superintendent Monte Woolstenhulme still believes the school should drop the nickname, but the name and the school logo will remain intact for the time being.

“I knew there would be passionate response to this, but not this large, this much or this fast,” Woolstenhulme told the Teton Valley News.

Woolstenhulme announced his plan at a school board meeting Monday, according to the News. Opponents quickly began an online petition drive protesting the move. And as of Friday, a “Save the Redskins” Facebook page had attracted more than 1,200 members.

Woolstenhulme says he will consult with Shoshone-Bannock tribal leaders and listen to community leaders and alumni before making a decision.

A public hearing will be held on July 8.

Kevin Richert

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 30 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KevinRichert. He can be reached at [email protected]

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