It is important that the leaders of Buncombe's education system know the right answers. If they don't, the consequences could be dire for the county's students, residents and national image. The students themselves appear to be the most aggrieved parties in this matter. Last year, the school board assured students that they would decide whether to retain the controversial mascot names or select new ones. Now, the school board itself will make the call on Erwin's mascot names.
Many students now are confused and upset about all the commotion.
All around them, presumably mature adult role models are waffling, threatening, posturing and, in general, acting like immature preschoolers. One has to feel particular empathy for Erwin seniors, the class of 1999. But all Erwin students are being victimized no less than the seniors. The mascot issue could have been used as an opportunity to help students grow and become more sensitive to diversity. Instead, they are now being subjected to the polarizing pressures and attitudes of their parents, Erwin alumni and self-interested outsiders.