The seal of the village of Whitesboro, New York

The village of Whitesboro, New York, will be changing its seal after seeing criticism around the world.

The Oneida Nation will work with the village and the descendants of village founder Hugh White on the new symbol. It will replace one that depicts White with his hands on the shoulders of a man who is said to represent an Oneida person.

“As we’ve always said, we are happy to work with anyone who wants to make sure the symbols they are promoting 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,” Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter said in a press release.

The tribe had been calling on the community to change the seal but residents said it merely depicted a friendly wrestling match between White and the Oneida figure. The original version featured White with his hands on the neck of the Oneida man.

Get the Story:
Contrary to village vote, Whitesboro decides to change controversial seal (The Syracuse Post-Standard 1/22)
New York village changing logo that was butt of jokes (AP 1/22)
Whitesboro drops 'racist' seal: Sign of the times for Native Americans? (The Christian Science Monitor 1/23)

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Residents support seal of White man choking a Native American (1/12)