No Immediate Action Planned on Woonsocket “Redmen” Nickname

WOONSOCKET, S.D. (AP) — Woonsocket school officials won't make any decision on the school's "Redmen" nickname until at least early next year.

The South Dakota High School Activities Association in November discussed a resolution to encourage school boards to leave behind references to Native American names and imagery.

The association took no action but is expected to discuss the matter again in January. Woonsocket School Board Chairman Jason White told the Daily Republic that the school won't discuss its nickname until after the state group decides on a course of action.

Woonsocket distanced itself from imagery associated with its nickname 14 years ago. The school co-ops with Wessington Springs and Sanborn Central for most of its athletics, using the nickname "Blackhawks." But the school still displays the "Redmen" nickname on cross country uniforms.

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