Houston superintendent wants schools to drop mascots that may be seen as offensive

Houston School Superintendent Terry Grier has called for the district to retire school mascot names that some may consider offensive. Writing in The Houston Chronicle, Grier says the district must retire "school symbols that no longer reflect the values of who we are--proudly diverse, inclusive, forward-thinking and committed to instilling character and social awareness in our youngsters." The mascot names he says need to be changed are Redskins, Indians, Warriors and Rebels.

"The time has come for the Houston Independent School District...to acknowledge that some decisions made generations ago need to be reconsidered," Grier writes. "Traditions are important. But respect for cultural difference and sensitivities matters more."