Eugene high school team renamed to promote inclusivity

EUGENE, Ore. – A Eugene high school is no longer home of the Axemen after officials decided to change the school’s team name to something more inclusive.

The Register-Guard reports Eugene School District officials announced their decision to change South Eugene High School’s team name to Axe on Monday after debating on the matter with the school’s community for weeks.

Officials considered changing the name after they were told that the name is sexist and excludes students who don’t identify as male.

South Eugene High School Principal Andy Dey told Eugene district Superintendent Gustavo Balderas that 75 percent of people who responded to an online survey said “it is important the team name represent all students.”

The team had carried the name for more than 90 years.