On Friday, Whitesboro Mayor Patrick O’ Connor said village officials and members of the Oneida Indian Nation plan to meet and discuss creation of a new image, News10 ABC reports.
His announcement came one day after “The Daily Show” aired a segment that was filmed earlier this month, in which villagers voted to keep the seal because of its historic value.
Residents voted 157-55 to keep the seal, which portrays a struggle between a white man and a Native American, reports Gizmodo, which has also been following this story. Daily Show correspondent Jessica Williams has been covering the story for a number of weeks. She spoke to O’Connor about the seal’s history.
He noted that the town’s founder, Hugh White, “was invited to engage in a friendly wrestling match.”
Williams made the distinction between the original seal, which looks less violent. It was changed in 1977 to the current, more violent-appearing one.
“This one looks like a sensual embrace between two powerful men,” she said, referring to the original seal, “whereas [the new one] definitely looks like attempted murder.”
O’Connor called Williams on Thursday morning to let her know that the town plans to change the seal. It isn’t known as yet what the new seal will look like.
The mayor and the Oneida Nation released a joint statement Friday saying that they plan to meet to discuss the creation of a new emblem, Syracuse.com reports.
The seal has been controversial for years, and many have called it racist and offensive.
White’s descendants also contacted the village, and said that while they want to preserve the seal’s history, all the controversy and attention has prompted them to support a redesign, Village Clerk Dana Nimey-Olney said.
Ray Halbritter, Oneida Nation Chief Executive Officer and Oneida Indian Nation Representative said they are happy to work with anyone who wants to ensure that the symbols being promoted “are honoring and respecting all people.”
“We applaud the village leaders’ willingness to evaluate their own symbols and how to make sure they accurately reflect their community’s core values,” he added.
