Melanie Lekocevic is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the Coxsackie-Athens Board of Education could vote as early as Thu., June 17, on whether to eliminate the district’s mascot and team name, the Indians. The issue has brought on a heated debate in the community and the district has held a number of informational sessions and conducted an online survey to measure the community's thoughts on the change. The response of local residents is split. Last week, the school board held a question-and-answer session with Heather Bruegl, cultural affairs director for the Stockbridge-Munsee Community. The district also met with Bruegl during a virtual forum on March 3 to discuss the issue. Native American-themed mascots perpetuate historical trauma for indigenous people, Bruegl said. “You are not a mascot, you are a person,” she said. Supporters of retaining the mascot say it is a way to honor the heritage of the school district and the area; that it is meant as a sign of respect. The board of education will hold its next public meeting at 6:30 p.m., Thu., June 17, in-person in the Coxsackie-Athens Middle School library. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.