A Wyoming, Mich. school district has voted to change mascots.

Wood TV8 reports that the Godfrey-Lee Board of Education voted Monday to stop using the "Rebels" mascot. They also voted to appoint a group to make recommendations for a new mascot.

The decision followed two community meetings, a student focus group, and a survey of students, staff and community members.

The board says in release they came to the conclusion that,

 “Lee Rebels” and the associated symbolism and historic relationship did not reflect the diversity of our district, the community, and the world in which our students will live, work and raise a family.
Board members cited the broader context of how the phrase “Lee Rebels” is internalized and perceived both in and out of the community. Board members said they hope the spirit of being a Rebel continues to live and breathe in our school district but feared the extensive use of Confederate symbols from the past, and the current context of the name, could have a negative impact on students, staff, and families."

The district expects to have a new mascot chosen by the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year.

The below video is from December 11, 2018, around the time of the first community meeting Godfrey-Lee held to discuss the issue.

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