Pascack Hills and Pascack Valley aren’t changing the name of its schools, but rather their mascots – the Cowboys and Indians, respectively.

Following a board of education vote Monday night, Pascack Hills will no longer be the Cowboys, and Pascack Valley will no longer be the Indians.

 

The decision, like many made in the last few weeks, has received a mixed reaction.

Many at Pascack Hills say the Cowboys nickname unifies the student body, even getting at least 1,000 signatures on a petition to keep the name. But some believe the name is derogatory toward female students and should go.

At Pascack Valley, many aren't too enthused to stay the Indians. The school's spirit club had taken to social media for more than a week to demand the change.

"We're talking about decades of history and culture and tradition, but at the same time you can't use tradition as an excuse," says Christian Downey.

There is still no word yet on what the new mascots will be.