Students and alumni alike are voicing their opinion about Bayside Secondary School’s rebranding efforts
During a HPEDSB meeting in 2022, the board received a report that directed them to get a new name/mascot for the school. It would replace the RED DEVILS branding, which has been with the school for 50 years.
The board said they made the decision in consultation with the Indigenous Education Advisory Committee and Equity Advisory Committee. The committee was asked to ensure names and symbols reflect “our communities, our system and its members.” This included the selection of a new mascot for Bayside Secondary School to ensure it is globally and culturally appropriate and reflects the student populations. There was a link to the website to click on the submitted report, however the link failed.
The student body was invited this week to participate in a survey. To access the survey, which ends April 28 CLICK HERE . Below is audio from a video posted on the Bayside Secondary School website.
Audio Player“We will be keeping our red and black colours, as well as three existing logos, but are also wanting to add a new logo to take the place of the devil. This will allow everyone to feel included in the new Bayside for many years to come.”
Meantime, a student at Bayside Secondary Lily Davidson, along with her friends created a petition to keep the name the same.
Here is what it says –
There is a very almost set in stone plan to change the mascot from the Red Devils to something new.The reasons I’ve heard (from everyone but our principal, as she refuses to offer any aid in the situation), are, and are not limited to:– Religious reasons– Sexism– Generally offensive (Yet they were willing to become the Bayside Bombers?)– And, “change is good.”The only known fact I’m aware of is the cost of the change which will be nothing short of $78,000.The principal of our school is constantly asking for our opinion on the matter, but despite thousands (and i mean thousands) of signatures and complaints on petitions and opinion links, they refuse to listen.
As A former bayside student, I and many others were hoping that some of you would be willing to sign the petition and join our fight to remain red
The petition has received 2,500 signatures (as of early April 28, 2023). It is available by CLICKING HERE
Davidson believes students are not being listened to.
Audio Player“They’re doing ballots for a new mascot and students are just saying Red Devils. They did an opinion thing online, which they spent money to do and everyone is saying Red Devils. They’re just not listenning to the students or their opinions.”
Davidson says they have not received a good enough reason to change the name.
Quinte News received the following statement this week from the HPEDSB on April 27.
“The school is going through a process to rebrand the school mascot. The school administrators have been meeting with student leaders, school council and staff over several months and are now getting input through a ThoughtExchange (online crowdsourcing platform). Rebranding is a common practice at education institutions, sports teams and companies from time to time. It’s a way to innovate and bring a refreshed look and feel. In fact, the school board, HPEDSB, recently rebranded with a new logo and colours after 20+ years. No decisions about a new mascot for Bayside SS have been made yet.“
Davidson says though, the cost is high, and the HPEDSB is currently in a multi-million dollar shortfall.
Audio Player“So the cost from what I’ve been told is $78,000 to change everything in the school and that’s not including costs for … the students will have to repay for (sports) uniforms.”
That financial figure has not been confirmed by the Hastings Prince Edward District School Board.
There have been stories of similar team names being looked at.
Quinte News discovered a story from May 2022, in which The Springville High (Utah) Red Devils name was being discussed. In an article in the Desert News, Navajo Nation President Kelsey A. Begaye stated the following in the article.
“In this case, the use of the term, ‘Red Devils’ is offensive in the sense that the historical use of the word was derogatory and demeaning in identifying Native Americans.”
We contacted Chief R Don Maracle of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. We asked if the term was derogatory against First Nations members. “I do not know the history of choosing the name Red Devils and would like to know more information.”
In history there are a number of sports teams, superheros, musical groups, military members and others described as Red Devil(s).
