Whitesboro Seal: NY village agrees to change logo “Video”

What’s Next for the Village of Whitesboro Seal?.

Whitesboro, N.Y. – A central New York village has agreed to work with the Oneida Indian Nation and create a new village emblem.

Earlier this month, the village of Whitesboro became the subject of a national controversy when it voted to keep its village logo. According to the village, the logo depicted a white man and Native American man wrestling.

Others said it shows a white man choking a Native American man.

Debate over the village emblem ensued, eventually making its way into the media spotlight through comedic outlets such as The Daily Show.

Tonight, @msjwilly heads to Whitesboro, the town whose seal needs to look a little less "Whitesboro." pic.twitter.com/nF0V4WPzOx

— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) January 22, 2016

On Friday, the village announced it would support the effort of designing a new logo that would celebrate the Village’s proud history.

“In speaking with a lot of the residents that voted to keep the seal, I think they were surprised at the negative attention that Whitesboro was receiving as a result of the vote,” Whitesboro Mayor Patrick O’Connor said. “They wanted to preserve history at the time of the vote, but also want to ensure that Village is seen as the inclusive place that it is.”

“We are happy to work with anyone who wants to make sure the symbols they are promoting are honoring and respecting all people,” Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Oneida Nation CEO Ray Halbritter said. “We applaud the Village leaders’ willingness to evaluate their own symbols and how to make sure they accurately reflect their community’s core values.”

Agencies/Canadajournal