Idaho School District still Plans to Remove “Redskins” as Mascot

DRIGGS, Idaho (AP) — The head of an eastern Idaho school district is standing behind the decision to drop the high school's longtime Redskins mascot.

But now, Teton School District 401 Superintendent Monte Woolstenhulme says the process for swapping mascots will not likely happen for another year.

Woolstenhulme says he needs more time to work with school administrators and patrons on the transition. The plan to drop the Redskins nickname has drawn significant community backlash since it was announced last month.

On Monday, nearly 170 residents attended a three-hour public hearing on the issue, with the majority of those testifying coming out against the name change. A "Save the Redskins" Facebook page has 1,279 followers. But the proposal has also won the backing of Shoshone-Bannock tribal leaders, who say Redskins is disrespectful and offensive.