- On October 25, 2018, the Fayetteville Board of Education voted unanimously to “authorize the Superintendent to go forward with the formation of a committee” regarding the junior high mascots. The Board cited empirical data demonstrating the potential harmful effects on children when school mascots represent human groups or characteristics. The Board has made it clear that the current mascots are not in alignment with the the Board’s policy and the mission statement of Fayetteville Public Schools. Therefore, the Board voted to form the committee to advise the schools on implementing this change. Superintendent Dr. John L Colbert supported this direction, and has worked with the junior high principals to form the Task Force. A video of the meeting, including additional comments by board members, is available. (Under the Board of Education tab at fayar.net.) the Task Force item is at the 48:20 minute.
- December 12, 2018 The first meeting of the Mascot Task Force. Here are the minutes from this first meeting.
- December 13, 2018 Talking Points Provided to the Mascot Task Force Members. (link)
- January 22, 2019 The second meeting of the Mascot Task Force, Minutes of the Second Meeting.
- January 24, 2019 School Board Meeting - The Board voted 4-3 to ratify the original charge to the Mascot Task Force from the October school board meeting.
