Marion Independent School District

During the February 22, 2021 Board meeting, the Marion Independent School District adopted the ‘Marion Mavericks’ as the team name/mascot to begin in July.  Since that time it has been brought to the attention of the district that the origin of the term ‘Maverick’ is from Samuel A. Maverick, an early 1800s Texas rancher and slave owner.  The name was originally selected as an option due to the definition of an independent thinker, which is directly derived from Samuel Maverick who refused to brand his cattle.  As a district, our pursuit of a new mascot has been with the intent of selecting something our students and community are able to proudly celebrate.  Given this new information and continuing with our dedication to our district goal to ‘establish and maintain a safe environment that supports the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of each learner’, during the Monday, March 8 regularly scheduled Board meeting district administration and the name/mascot committee will recommend to the Board not to adopt ‘Marion Mavericks’ as previously decided, but instead pursue alternate options.  The committee and Board will also discuss next steps during the March 8 Board meeting.  We are sincerely sorry that we did not find this information prior to a recommendation to our Board, and understand this decision has an impact on our MISD students and community.  Marion Independent remains committed to selecting a team name/mascot that will proudly serve our community today and into our future.