There has been a reckoning across the nation, and the old norms are no longer acceptable.  This country has a history of treating African Americans as well as other communities of color as second-class citizens.  Things are starting to change with the recent protests in response to the unlawful killings and treatment of African Americans in the United States. 

We believe it is inappropriate and offensive, in this day and age, to allow the nickname and mascot of Ore City I.S.D to remain as the "Rebel". Though many people will try and say that the "Rebel" was chosen for rebelling against Diana and Gilmer schools, the mascot carried a Confederate flag until the mid 1990's. The "Rebel", itself, was associated with the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Although the Confederate flag is no longer used in conjunction with the mascot, the "Rebel" continues to serve as a symbol of hate and racism.

We believe that as an institution of public education, Ore City I.S.D. is perpetuating the notion that Black lives are secondary to those of white heritage. It also continues to  ignore racism and leaving students at the school and community members, feeling unwelcomed and unaccepted. Those in power need to know how damaging the use of this Confederate relic is to your African American students and community members of color.