4 finalists chosen for new Goshen schools’ mascot

GOSHEN, Ind. (AP) – Students at a northern Indiana school district have chosen four finalists to replace the Redskins mascot that it is retiring next year.

The Elkhart Truth reports that one of the following will be Goshen schools’ new mascot starting Jan. 1: Gladiators, Red Hawks, Spartans or Wolfpack. Student voting will take place the week of Nov. 9. Goshen High School alumni who live in the district also can vote.

The four finalists were announced Wednesday after votes were tallied from Goshen High School and Goshen Middle School students.

The Goshen School Board voted in July to stop using the mascot, which has represented Goshen Community Schools for nearly 90 years.

Those who sought the change argued the Redskins name is offensive and derogatory to Native Americans.