Yahoo! News - AP
Board Studies 'Satans' Nickname
Thu Aug 1, 9:38 AM ET
DEVILS LAKE, N.D. (AP) - School Board officials here expect a flurry of comments when they open debate on Devils Lake High School's "Satans" nickname.
Three hours have been allotted for debate Thursday night. "I think we'll probably use it all," School Board President Kevin Regan said.
The time frame was set so the public meeting does not drag on forever, he said. The format allows three minutes per speaker.
Ten years ago, the board voted 3-2 to retain the nickname after a bitter battle.
"The debate was very polarized in 1992, with a lot of angry testimony," Regan said. "I think, or at least I hope, both sides are more cordial and diplomatic now, which will make the meeting more meaningful."
However, "There are a lot of strong feelings on both sides, so it's a no-win situation for the board," he said.
Tom Mertens made the nickname-change request at the July 18 School Board meeting, saying students need to be able to establish an identity because the Satans nickname and devil mascot are being used sparingly. He said the nickname has divided the community and its support for athletic teams for many years.
Some church leaders find the nickname inappropriate or offensive. School Superintendent Steve Swiontek has said he favors a name change.
Pro-nickname forces have held two meetings, with about two dozen supporters at each, to prepare their presentation.
"Our presenters will talk about different sides of the issue," pro-nickname organizer Gary Krantz said. "I will make eight points. I'll have to talk fast."
Regan said Thursday's meeting is for gathering information, and no final decision will be reached. A decision could come at the next board meeting, scheduled for Aug. 19.
"I think the entire board is open-minded on the issue," Regan said. "This meeting will have a big impact. The students will have a say in it, and the alumni will have a say. But I don't believe any one group will have weight over any other group."
Board Studies 'Satans' Nickname
Thu Aug 1, 9:38 AM ET
DEVILS LAKE, N.D. (AP) - School Board officials here expect a flurry of comments when they open debate on Devils Lake High School's "Satans" nickname.
Three hours have been allotted for debate Thursday night. "I think we'll probably use it all," School Board President Kevin Regan said.
The time frame was set so the public meeting does not drag on forever, he said. The format allows three minutes per speaker.
Ten years ago, the board voted 3-2 to retain the nickname after a bitter battle.
"The debate was very polarized in 1992, with a lot of angry testimony," Regan said. "I think, or at least I hope, both sides are more cordial and diplomatic now, which will make the meeting more meaningful."
However, "There are a lot of strong feelings on both sides, so it's a no-win situation for the board," he said.
Tom Mertens made the nickname-change request at the July 18 School Board meeting, saying students need to be able to establish an identity because the Satans nickname and devil mascot are being used sparingly. He said the nickname has divided the community and its support for athletic teams for many years.
Some church leaders find the nickname inappropriate or offensive. School Superintendent Steve Swiontek has said he favors a name change.
Pro-nickname forces have held two meetings, with about two dozen supporters at each, to prepare their presentation.
"Our presenters will talk about different sides of the issue," pro-nickname organizer Gary Krantz said. "I will make eight points. I'll have to talk fast."
Regan said Thursday's meeting is for gathering information, and no final decision will be reached. A decision could come at the next board meeting, scheduled for Aug. 19.
"I think the entire board is open-minded on the issue," Regan said. "This meeting will have a big impact. The students will have a say in it, and the alumni will have a say. But I don't believe any one group will have weight over any other group."