BuzzBoyMom
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Wisconsin wants district to ground 'W'
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- The University of Wisconsin wants the Waukee school district to X out it's W symbol, leaving some students of the suburban Des Moines school district to ask Y.
The Waukee district adopted its purple-and-gold W a decade ago after it was told by state education officials it should not use an image of an American Indian as its school symbol. The district's mascot was the Warriors, but last year students voted to change the mascot to the Spartan Warrior.
Collegiate Licensing Co., which represents the university, sent a letter to Waukee Superintendent David Wilkerson on Sept. 20, saying Waukee's W is nearly identical to the trademarked W used by the university. Wisconsin's W is red.
Wilkerson said Waukee's W was a combination of logos from Wisconsin and the University of Washington.
"We're not going to intentionally break the law, and if we're in violation, we're going to change it," Wilkerson said.
Now, Waukee must find a new logo to go on everything from uniforms to a carved stone in front of its administration building if it wants to avoid a legal battle.
Wilkerson said the district's logo will be removed over five years. It's already been removed from its Web site and coaches have been told to keep if off new uniforms.
The W can be seen on district vehicles, parking signs, letterhead, T-shirts and on the floor of the high school gym.
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Wilkerson said he didn't think the district will legally challenge the university.
"We could try, but it's a trademarked W, and our chances aren't very good," he said.
Sejla Rekic, 17, a Waukee senior, said she is disappointed the district must change its W.
"What's in a W? Who is that offending?" Rekic said.
Cindy Van Mater, director of licensing for the University of Wisconsin in Madison, said Waukee's logo was brought to her attention through a company the school is using to purchase class rings.
The university has pressured 20 schools to change their logos in the past three years because the logos looked too much like Wisconsin's, she said.
Pat Foley, president of the Waukee Athletic Booster Club, said school officials shouldn't give up without a fight.
"I just hope that the school administration and school board is investigating this to the fullest without just giving in," Foley said.
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DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- The University of Wisconsin wants the Waukee school district to X out it's W symbol, leaving some students of the suburban Des Moines school district to ask Y.
The Waukee district adopted its purple-and-gold W a decade ago after it was told by state education officials it should not use an image of an American Indian as its school symbol. The district's mascot was the Warriors, but last year students voted to change the mascot to the Spartan Warrior.
Collegiate Licensing Co., which represents the university, sent a letter to Waukee Superintendent David Wilkerson on Sept. 20, saying Waukee's W is nearly identical to the trademarked W used by the university. Wisconsin's W is red.
Wilkerson said Waukee's W was a combination of logos from Wisconsin and the University of Washington.
"We're not going to intentionally break the law, and if we're in violation, we're going to change it," Wilkerson said.
Now, Waukee must find a new logo to go on everything from uniforms to a carved stone in front of its administration building if it wants to avoid a legal battle.
Wilkerson said the district's logo will be removed over five years. It's already been removed from its Web site and coaches have been told to keep if off new uniforms.
The W can be seen on district vehicles, parking signs, letterhead, T-shirts and on the floor of the high school gym.
Buy AP Photo Reprints
Wilkerson said he didn't think the district will legally challenge the university.
"We could try, but it's a trademarked W, and our chances aren't very good," he said.
Sejla Rekic, 17, a Waukee senior, said she is disappointed the district must change its W.
"What's in a W? Who is that offending?" Rekic said.
Cindy Van Mater, director of licensing for the University of Wisconsin in Madison, said Waukee's logo was brought to her attention through a company the school is using to purchase class rings.
The university has pressured 20 schools to change their logos in the past three years because the logos looked too much like Wisconsin's, she said.
Pat Foley, president of the Waukee Athletic Booster Club, said school officials shouldn't give up without a fight.
"I just hope that the school administration and school board is investigating this to the fullest without just giving in," Foley said.
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YES!! Fight on!! Love that kid!! 
