School Board To Vote On Banning Of Southside Song/Mascot

The 'Dixie' song has been banned during the 2015-2016 school year at Southside High School by the Ft. Smith School Board Committee.  The motion was approved 5-0 at a meeting Tues- day evening.  Also, the rebel mascot will be replaced for the 2016-2017 school year.

According to Susan McFerran, school board member, the decision came after the mass shooting in Charlston, SC and a recent class reunion.  McFerran said "There was a 30-year class reunion this weekend.  It came to our attention that the public has been pretty upset about the Confederate flag, which has already been removed, the rebel mascot and the playing of the 'Dixie'."

The Board said they will ask students to help in the choosing of a new school mascot and song.  There will also be some changes made to uniforms.  The final vote on the Board's decision will be held July 27 at their regular school board meeting.  It will be open to the public.

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