In a nonbinding referendum yesterday, Dartmouth voters cast their ballots overwhelmingly in favor of keeping the “Indian” as the symbol of Dartmouth High School and its athletic teams.
The town has debated the issue for years, as communities around Massachusetts reconsider their Native American school mascots.
The vote was 77 percent in favor of retaining the name and Native imagery, and 18 percent opposed.
Supporters say the Dartmouth Indian is not a mascot but a symbol of the town’s history and pride.
Opponents say Native mascots amount to stereotyping and cultural appropriation and hurt Native youth.
Twenty-three percent of registered voters cast a ballot in the election.
The Dartmouth School Committee, which meets later this month, has the authority to make a binding decision.
