Hillsborough’s Shamburger to Facebook: I say “no” to offensive school mascots.

During Tuesday’s meeting of the Hillsborough County School Board, member Cindy Stuart introduced a motion - while cameras were off - to pause the districts’ work in removing school mascots with Native American themes.

Shamburger was one of several members who said nothing during that discussion, but voted with the rest of the board in favor of Stuart’s motion.

Shamburger did, however, take a position on Facebook later that evening.

She posted:

“Weigh in. Tonight a motion was made to halt the mascot changes at several HCPS Schools. Do you find the use of native American mascots offensive? Is it time for them to go? The Native American Parent Advisory Council asked the district last year to change all of the mascots but conceded on the high schools. Just as I had the name of Robert E. Lee Elememtary changed, I believe that no school should be named or use a mascot that is offensive or insensitive to any culture.”

A board discussion on this sensitive issues is planned June 11. The law requires the board to notice the meeting and allow the public to attend. The law does not, however, require them to telecast the discussion.

The Times invites the six other board members to come forward with their views as well.