MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Last year, Marquette Area Public Schools decided to change the nickname of the their mascot from Redmen and Redette out of concerns of racist implications.
It was a close decision with the school board voting 4-3 in favor of the change. Upset with the decision, Margaret Brumm is trying to recall two board members, Jennifer Klipp and Jennifer Ray, who voted yes. Brumm is a professor for Northern Michgian University, vice chair for the Marquette Board of Light and Power, and a democratic candidate for the 109th state house district seat. “Assuming I can gather enough votes, which I assume I can, they’ll then have it on the ballot whether these two office-holders should be recalled,” she said.
The Marquette County Election Committee approved the language in the petition on Wednesday, allowing Brumm to attempt to gather enough signatures to get it on the November ballot. “I have, at present, two organizations and five individuals who have indicated they will be of assistance in gathering signatures on the petition,” she said.
During public comment, several people spoke in support of the school board members, including the President of the Board Kristen Cambensy who voted against the name change. “These are incredible women who clearly stated when they were running that this is what they were going to do, and they’re being punished for it,” she said.
If Brumm is successful in getting the almost 3,700 signatures for each board member, they will remain on the ballot, but their positions will be open. That leaves a considerable amount of spots on the board to be filled. “On the November ballot is a school election for board members,” said Linda Talsma, Marquette County clerk. “Currently, I have three open positions for the Marquette School District as well. So that’s a lot of openings and a lot of fillings to happen.”
Talsma added she’s only received one application to appear on the ballot for an open school board member seat.
