CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – An online petition has sparked debate, as well as a second counter petition, about Montgomery Central High School’s mascot.

Montgomery Central High School has had the team name “Indians” since the school opened in the early ’70s. The name has been the subject of controversy in the past, with some changes being made over the years, though the mascot has remained the same.

Businesses with ties to Central have taken on the mascot as well. Local pizza place Central Pizza features a special, extra large pizza dubbed “The Chief.”

In the past, Montgomery Central’s mascot was depicted as a Native American man in a feathered headdress and face paint. In recent years, the school has shifted to a more neutral logo of a white and red feather.

The initial petition, calling on the Clarksville-Montgomery County School Board to consider changing the mascot, was started by Christian Rieke. A Rossview alum, Rieke got the idea for the petition after seeing an MCHS shirt at Walmart.

“The word ‘Indian’ is so outdated,” said Rieke. “So, I talked with some people around me who are Native American. They are part of the Choctaw and Ojibwe tribes.”

As of Aug. 13, Rieke’s petition has gathered over 840 signatures.

The petition has also inspired some pushback, with many members of the Montgomery Central community defending their mascot of of over 45 years.

Brian South, a Montgomery Central graduate with ties to the school, started a second petition to counter Rieke’s. As of Aug. 13, South’s petition had collected over 3,800 signatures – more than four times as many as Rieke’s.

“I didn’t see any benefit in taking the name away,” South said. “I haven’t seen anywhere where we’ve put (Native Americans) down or degraded them in any way,” said South. “If it really offended someone, I could see it. If they were out there making fun of them or scalping them or something like that, I could kind of see that. But as far as what they’re doing out there, all they are are kids. They’re just looking for a mascot.”

When asked about the petitions, CMCSS officials said they were aware of the conversation, but are currently focused on reopening schools.

“While fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect in our schools is absolutely a priority, during this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, school and district leaders have been focused on reopening schools for the 2020-21 school year,” said school spokesman Anthony Johnson.

“We are aware of the online petitions for and against the Montgomery Central team name, and have been paying attention to the national conversation about the use of Native American team names and mascots. Over the coming weeks, school- and district-level leaders will continue to review best practices and meet with local stakeholders to ensure that CMCSS schools’ mascots do not perpetuate negative stereotypes, misunderstandings, or prejudices.”

Since starting the petition, Rieke has been harassed online and receive threats. While he called these actions “uncalled for,” he said he has also received support and stands by his intent.

“I think that is what a lot of people need nowadays. Instead of burning the bridge and shutting out the other side I think the best way is to build a bridge. Have those difficult conversations to see someone else’s side and agree to disagree,” Rieke said. “Hate will never win.”

South condemned the behavior as well, calling it unacceptable.

“We can agree to disagree and still be friends. I believe what I believe and he believes what he believes, and that’s okay. The threats, that needs to stop,” said South