The controversy over the mascot at Tewksbury High School spilled over into a public forum on Wednesday.
Some people in Tewksbury want the "Red Men" nickname and image gone, others want it to stay. The image is of a Native American in a feathered head dress.
During the meeting, some said they wanted to keep the "Red Men" mascot and were proud of its history.
Some said it was an image and symbol of oppression and discrimination against Native Americans.
"I don’t think it is offensive at all," said Jennifer Moretto before the meeting.
However, Jamie Morrison, of the North American Indian Center of Boston, said, "We don’t condone it. We do find it offensive. Our position is that we hope all schools would reconsider these type of mascots and logos."
School officials say there are more than 40 Massachusetts schools with Native American mascots and 17 Red Men high school teams across the country.
The Tewksbury school superintendent says he will meet separately with students and members of Native American tribal councils.
The final decision on whether to change the mascot will be made by the end of the year.
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