We the undersigned urge the Radnor Township, PA school district to end its use of the "Raider" team name and Native American mascot and imagery that is offensive and hurtful to Native American people.  

After more than 5 decades of “Raider” being clearly defined by its association with the Indianhead and Native American imagery and given the stated dedication of a pro-raider faction of the community and alumni to this historic use, keeping the name "Raider" and only changing the mascot is an unacceptable and sure-to-fail option.

The Radnor School board made the right decision to finally retire the Raider name and imagery in August of 2020. But imagery still adorns parts of the school, and in response to heavy-handed advocacy by alumni and a small segment of the community, the School Board seems open to backsliding and considering ongoing use of the Raider name.

Neither Radnor history nor tradition can be deemed to outweigh the harm that continued use of “Raider” inflicts on Native Americans who have asked that schools like Radnor stop this unacceptable stereotyping and misappropriation of Native American culture and imagery.  Nor can nostalgic memories of high school justify a message to our children, community, and the world that here in Radnor we are open to offensive, hurtful and disrespectful behavior towards an entire culture and group of people if it suits the desires of a limited few and serves the best interests of no one.
 
It is well past time for the Radnor Township School Board to lead by example and teach our students that we do what is right. It’s time to be Radnor Proud, to #RetireTheRaider, and to change the school’s sports team name and mascot to one that is respectful and inspirational for all.

Radnor is the 4th ranked school district in Pennsylvania.  It is a school district with many privileges and advantages. Can't we find it in our hearts to show respect?

 The ongoing use of “Raider” is offensive to Native Americans and not in keeping with the educational goals of our school district to teach respect and to reject all forms of bullying and racism. 
 
Radnor Township School Board ... do what you know to be right ... #RetireTheRaider name and imagery and select a fresh, new, exciting, and respectful name and mascot.