• Home
  • News
    • UP 200
    • Local
    • Lansing Bureau
    • Washington D.C. Bureau
    • National
    • Insights
    • Watch 19 News Live
    • CBS News Live
    • Report News
  • Weather
    • Forecast + Conditions
    • Current Alerts
    • Interactive Radar
    • Cameras
    • Share Photos/Videos
    • Closings and Delays
  • Sports
  • Features
    • Life in the 906
    • The Yooper Goddess
WZMQ 19 News | CBS | MeTV Marquette

Marquette
66°

Escanaba
67°

Houghton
56°

Iron Mountain
70°

Watch
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • UP 200
    • Local
    • Lansing Bureau
    • Washington D.C. Bureau
    • National
    • Insights
    • Watch 19 News Live
    • CBS News Live
    • Report News
  • Weather
    • Forecast + Conditions
    • Current Alerts
    • Interactive Radar
    • Cameras
    • Share Photos/Videos
    • Closings and Delays
  • Sports
  • Features
    • Life in the 906
    • The Yooper Goddess
WZMQ 19 News | CBS | MeTV Marquette
No Result
View All Result
WZMQ 19 News | CBS | MeTV Marquette
No Result
View All Result

The Marquette Community Comments on MAPS Retiring ‘Redmen’ Nickname

by Sophia Murphy
July 18, 2023
A A

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Marquette Area Public School Board voted to retire the Redmen and Redette nicknames. The nicknames carry quite a bit of history at Marquette schools. The title has been used for around 100 years in the school system according to the boards Vice President, Glenn Sarka.

The decision was split 4 to 3, and public opinion seems to be just as divided. One side argues the the name is one that is worn by many with pride, and should be upheld. Others say that despite the nicknames origins, coming from the red sweaters that used to be worn by Marquette athletes, it’s a term now seen as derogatory and should be replaced.

With this being such a divisive topic, public comment at the school board meeting took up 2 of the 4 and a half hours at the meeting, and comment sections online have been filled with those expressing their opinions.

The decision by the school board to retire the name follows the retirement of the schools old logo containing a Native American Chief. That decision was made in 2020 just before the pandemic began, when in-person community board meeting were stalled. Sarka said the board didn’t want to take up the issue again until they could have public meetings.

In person commenters were widely in favor or the retirement of the nickname. Community members said that the term ‘Redette’ is demeaning and diminishing, and doesn’t bring to mind strong female athletes. A young woman who is a part of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians spoke up at the meeting as well, she said the name ‘Redmen’ has made her feel sick and enraged for as long as she understood what it meant.

Comments online have expressed that many feel it was the wrong choice, stating ‘this was another decision made by a hand full of people’ and ‘ this is hypersensitivity at its best’. Others have expressed frustration with the board’s decision to retire a piece of Marquette history.

With comments still coming in on both sides, the board is preparing to move forward with finding a new name and mascot for the students and community to rally behind.

Get WZMQ 19 anytime, anywhere

Download the app

AppleAndroid

Watch on TV

RokuFire TVZeam

Connect on social media

FacebookTwitterInstagram

More

News

Alpena man arraigned on criminal sex charges following arrest at Soo Locks

June 6, 2025
Image taken from a video posted to social media by Jersey Jewel
News

Firefighters respond to apparent train fire near Bark River Knives

June 6, 2025
Every year, the residents of Brookridge Heights take part in a point five K run/walk to benefit the Alzheimer's Association. It's a precursor to the walk to end Alzheimer's, which takes place in September.
News

A short walk with a big heart

June 5, 2025 - Updated on June 6, 2025
News

Insights: Summer readings at the Peter White Public Library

June 5, 2025
SUPERIOR ON TAP IS A LECTURE SERIES HOSTED BY CITIZENS FOR A SAFE AND CLEAN LAKE SUPERIOR. TONIGHT'S PRESENTATION WAS ABOUT THE EFFECTS TOURISM HAS ON THE ENVIRONMENT.
News

Does the U.P. have too many tourists?

June 5, 2025 - Updated on June 6, 2025
News

Three injured in two-vehicle crash in Manistique

June 5, 2025 - Updated on June 6, 2025
Next Post

Insights: Aspirus Health highlights National Youth Sports Week

Your Guide to 2023 U.P. State Fair

  • Home
  • News
  • Weather
  • Sports
  • Features
  • Events
  • Programming
  • Station
WZMQ CBS | 19 News

© 2025 WZMQ, LLC | FCC Public File | EEO Report

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • UP 200
    • Local
    • Lansing Bureau
    • Washington D.C. Bureau
    • National
    • Insights
    • Watch 19 News Live
    • CBS News Live
    • Report News
  • Weather
    • Forecast + Conditions
    • Current Alerts
    • Interactive Radar
    • Cameras
    • Share Photos/Videos
    • Closings and Delays
  • Sports
  • Features
    • Life in the 906
    • The Yooper Goddess
  • Events
  • Programming
    • Programming Guide
    • CBS
    • MeTV
    • Start TV
    • Heroes & Icons
    • Court TV
    • ION
  • Station
    • About Us
    • Community Involvement
    • Mobile App
    • Meet the Team
    • Contact
    • Careers
    • Advertising
    • Request Copy of Story
    • FCC Public File
    • EEO Report
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • UP 200
    • Local
    • Lansing Bureau
    • Washington D.C. Bureau
    • National
    • Insights
    • Watch 19 News Live
    • CBS News Live
    • Report News
  • Weather
    • Forecast + Conditions
    • Current Alerts
    • Interactive Radar
    • Cameras
    • Share Photos/Videos
    • Closings and Delays
  • Sports
  • Features
    • Life in the 906
    • The Yooper Goddess
  • Events
  • Programming
    • Programming Guide
    • CBS
    • MeTV
    • Start TV
    • Heroes & Icons
    • Court TV
    • ION
  • Station
    • About Us
    • Community Involvement
    • Mobile App
    • Meet the Team
    • Contact
    • Careers
    • Advertising
    • Request Copy of Story
    • FCC Public File
    • EEO Report
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our privacy policy.
Go to mobile version