The Willoughby-Eastlake City School District is planning a news conference at 3 p.m. this afternoon to formally announce plans to change the South High School mascot, the "Rebel."
The district released the statement below:
In light of the changing perception of the Civil War Rebel Icon, Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools has made a decision to move forward to identify a new figure to represent the South High Rebels.
Superintendent Steve Thompson announced at a news conference Thursday that Willoughby South High School will drop its "rebel" mascot, a man dressed in a gray confederate military outfit, but keep the name.
Thompson says he made the decision to support the school's diverse student body and because of "changing perceptions."
Photo: Ken Robinson/WTAM