RCS board discusses fate of 'Indians' banners; may move items into memorial and replace gym banners

Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District officials discussed on Tuesday how to handle legacy athletic banners and symbols that include the former 'Indians' mascot imagery, with staff and the district mascot advisory recommending relocation and contextualization rather than public display in the gym.

A staff member summarized the advisory’s 2023 guidance, saying the purpose of relocation is not to erase history but to ensure items that require context are displayed where explanatory material can be provided. “The placement of such objects needs to be as such that a conversation can occur to give it context,” the staff member said, describing the advisory’s view that banners bearing Indigenous imagery are not appropriate in a gym where visiting families and spectators will not have contextual materials.

Board members discussed options. One proposal is to put historical items — including the granite entrance piece and certain banners — into an interior memorial or interpretive display that explains the district’s history before the mascot change. For banners that record championships and statistics, the board discussed three options: replace the public-facing gym banners with new banners reading “RCS” or “Ravens,” relocate originals into a memorial, or have the booster/sports association take custody and decide on preservation.

Why it matters: the exchange reflects an ongoing effort to reconcile historical recognition with current community standards and to follow the mascot-advisory guidance which referenced case law and recommended contextual display rather than public prominence. Some community members expressed that championship records were earned when the teams were identified as 'Indians,' and board members said they want to balance historical acknowledgment with inclusive present-day display.

Logistics and next steps: staff said the old banners are currently stored with the grounds/maintenance department. The board asked administration to circulate the advisory’s language and relevant documentation so members could read the advisory’s legal and contextual rationale before a future decision. The board also signaled a preference for replacing gym banners with “RCS” rather than reopening a contested debate over former names.

What was not decided: the board did not adopt a final disposition; staff will provide the advisory memo and legal context, and the issue will return for discussion at a later meeting.