I had the privilege of not knowing the meaning behind the mascot for Effingham County High School, that is not the case anymore. The mascot for Effingham County High School is "Rebels". If you do not know this word was originally used to describe those in the south who succeed from the Union. The reason for that succession was the want to own slaves. The mascot not the only racist  part of "pride" for ECHS. Our fight song continues to be Dixie (a derogatory song used during blackface minstrels). Though Dr. Shearouse says school law prohibits the use of the Confederate flag on school property, why does the school sanctioned cheer team named RebelRousers.

ECHS is a public school and therefore receives funds from tax payers which includes black Effingham tax payers. Yet their tax money is being used to keep these Confederate symbols on the walls without their consent. Those who want the symbols removed are told to it should stay because "its tradition" or "it's heritage". However these symbols are NOT everyone's heritage or tradition. In the Effingham County student code of conduct it states" the policy of this School District to prohibit any act of harassment of students by other students or employees based upon race, color, national origin, sex, or disability at all times and during all occasions while at school, in the workplace or at any school event or activity." Yet this is exactly what the school system is doing by allowing this to occur. The school boards INACTION is allowing a certain group of students to feel harassed based on their race. 

Dr. Shearouse and Effingham County Board of Education members, we ask THAT YOU REMOVE ALL CONFEDERATE SYMBOLS and chart a new path. Why not work together to chart a new Effingham High school mascot and fight song that is inclusive of ALL STUDENTS? Doing this would be the first step in helping build a safe, inclusive, diverse environment that promotes the learning for ALL students.