FORT SMITH (KFSM) – The Fort Smith Public School Board released a statement following Tuesday night’s (June 22) committee decision to unanimously pass a motion to no longer use the “Dixie” fight song and Rebel mascot at Southside High School.
The decision is not final, but will be voted on at the next Board meeting.
The statement reads:
“Giving great consideration to the continuing impact of perceived symbols of racism on the community , state and nation, the Fort Smith Public School Board convened as a Committee of the Whole tonight and passed a motion to discontinue the use of “Dixie” as the Southside High School fight song in the 2015-2016 school year, and to phase out the use of the Rebel as the Southside mascot in the 2016-2017 school year.
“This motion passed with a 6-0 vote and will be presented to the Board during the regularly scheduled meeting on July 27, 2015. The Rebel and “Dixie” have been used as the Southside High School mascot and fight song since the school opened more than 50 years ago. The Board understands the challenges of changing what has come to be the tradition of the Southside High School community, and will work with the student body and staff over the next year to name a new mascot and fight song for the school.”
The Board will vote on a final decision at it’s meeting on July 27.