We, as students, alumni, teachers, and community members, feel a change of mascot away from the Rebels is long overdue. As a public institution with a mission to “prepare students for a lifetime of learning and responsible citizenship,” and “prepare students for an ever-changing world,” we feel that the current mascot does not reflect these goals.

The Rebel mascot stems from a history of slavery and Civil War and does an injustice to the strong Union ties of Maryville, Tennessee. There can be no denying this connection with the Confederacy, as the Confederate flag makes frequent appearances at school events and not so long ago, a Confederate soldier was printed on official school uniforms, and so it must go. By holding onto “the Rebels,” Maryville High School presents an unwelcoming environment, not only to their students, but also to the larger community as a whole. To be forward-facing and align with MHS’s goal of adapting in an “ever-changing world,” we feel strongly that a change must be made.