Cheyenne Mountain mascot debate: School board hears pleas for and against change

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — The Cheyenne Mountain School Board listened to more than a dozen arguments to change the high school’s Indian mascot Monday night. 

It’s the latest push for change from current and former students, Native Americans and their allies calling the mascot racist, offensive, and disrespectful.

“This is not respectful, nor could it ever be,” Cheyenne Mountain High School student Eddie Hayward said.

Larissa Marulli is a Cheyenne Mountain High School alumni. Marulli is one of many students or alumni who recalled being the target of racism while enrolled at CMHS. 

Renee Pazdan's children go to school in District 12.

"One of the legs of excellence that is missing from this school is diversity," Pazdan said.

One alumni at the meeting Monday, James Bensberg, stood by the mascot.

"I would reject the idea that we're all a bunch of old racists and bigoted white supremacists," Bensberg said.

The Cheyenne Mountain School Board agreed to work on a resolution to change the mascot during a September work session. The goal is to have it ready for a public vote in November.