Weir High removing one specific logo from use at school

Thursday, May 13th 2021
AA
The logo will no longer be seen.

WEIRTON, W.Va. — Weir High School has confirmed it is removing the Red Rider -- though never an official mascot -- from use at the school.

The block letter “W” is the official school emblem.

“Over the course of the year, Weir High School has been removing images of a cartoon depicting Native American stereotypes. This cartoon is not, nor has it ever been, an official school mascot, but it has appeared on apparel and other items representing Weir High School,” Principal Kristin Bissett said.

“Throughout the school year, we have received feedback from parents, students, and community members reinforcing our thoughts that the stereotype is an inappropriate representation for the school. We are continuing to take steps to remove this depiction from official school representation.

We as parents of the students are very upset with this because not any parent was ever asked their opinion nor notified of this.

There is a lot of history that rides with the school and the unofficial logo of the Indian. In the small community we are something like this is very meaningful to us and comes with a lot of pride so therefore we ask you to please support and keeping the Indian for the pride and the sake of our community and so we can continue to be a proud WEIR High Red Rider. THE SCHOOL STATES THAT THIS IS ALWAYS BEEN AN UNOFFICIAL LOGO, BUT YET IT IS USED AS THE OFFICIAL LOGO ON THE SCHOOL WELCOMING SIGN, AND ENTRANCE.THE SIGN INCLUDES AN INDIAN RIDING A HORSE NOT A "BLOCK W".... NOT TO MENTION THE SCHOOL HAS PRINTED THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF PIECES OF MERCHANDISE FOR MANY YEARS WITH THE UNOFFICIAL LOGO AND EVEN AUTHORIZED PAINTINGS OF THE UNOFFICIAL LOGO IN THE SCHOOL. SO AGAIN WE ASK YOU TO PLEASE HELP US KEEP THE LOGO AND MAYBE HOPEFULLY MAKING IT OFFICIAL. THANK YOU!!!!