Ahead of the curve? Boone County HS changed "Rebel" logo before recent controversy

FLORENCE, Ky. (WKRC) - The controversy over confederate statues and symbols has struck a nerve across the country. It's spilled over from monuments to mascots and logos. One local school was way ahead of the current controversy. The Boone County High School Rebels will stay the “Rebels,” but the image of “Mister Rebel” has been gone from the gym floor since last year and is no longer on any school logo. They were ahead of the recent controversy. The Confederate images on old Boone County yearbooks have gathered dust for a couple of decades. Gone for a year is “Mister Rebel,” replaced with a simple blue block letter logo. “We are a global community. We are a very diverse, student community and I didn't feel the image of Mr. Rebel coincided with our global community,” said Boone County high School’s Principal Tim Schlotman. The change took place quietly last summer. Not under pressure. Schlotman says a student community represented by the flags of 40 different countries deserved better. “We want them to all feel welcome in the building so that's why we started to phase out the use of the Rebel logo,” said Schlotman. Boone County was ahead of the curve. Willougby-Eastlake Ohio Schools axed their confederate mascot just last week after the violence in Charlottesville. Their superintendent said it was time to get serious about inclusion, including symbols. “Times change, people's views change. This is bigger than a flag or a mascot,” said Willoughby-Eastlake School Superintendent Steve Thompson. It's not a new thing. 25 years ago, the Thomas More Saints were the Thomas More Blue Rebels. Not every school sees the need to change. The Owen County Rebels logo includes a horseback rider brandishing a sword. Their superintendent says it is not an issue in the community. Tim Schlotman says it was not an issue at Boone County, but the rebel image no longer fit. He says the rebel name still does. “There's been no discussion of changing the name,” said Schlotman. Boone County removed the Mr. Rebel image from letterhead, business cards and classroom signs. They say it's a long process because the image has been around since the school opened in the 1950's. Both Dixie Heights and Covington Catholic High Schools have mascots that are colonels. Both say that they haven't received any complaints.