A Kentucky school district is reversing course on its planned stallion mascot for a new high school after community members complained it was sexist against female students.

Fayette County school officials received backlash this week after announcing the students at the new Frederick Douglass High School in Lexington would be nicknamed the “Stallions.” More than 200 people also signed a Change.org petition saying a stallion, defined by Merriam-Webster as an uncastrated male horse kept for breeding, is an inappropriate and sexist mascot for the school’s female students.

“What message does this send to our daughters and granddaughters? Our sons and grandsons?” wrote the petition’s creator, Diane Cahill, EAGNews.org reported. “We demand that the name be changed to something more gender neutral and more indicative of [abolitionist Frederick] Douglass’ brilliant mind, successful career and vision for equality and to send a message to all students that they are respected and valued.”

Fayette County Schools Superintendent Manny Caulk said in a statement Tuesday that the district did not intend to offend or upset anyone. He said the district has since decided to allow incoming students this fall to choose their own mascot.

“Moving forward, we will keep the Keeneland green and orange colors and horse image in the school logo to pay homage to Lexington’s rich history in the horse industry, but we will allow the incoming students of Frederick Douglass High School to choose their mascot,” Mr. Caulk said. “We’ve already received suggestions of Thoroughbreds or Racers as possible alternatives to Stallions and we will solicit additional ideas from our students before they choose a horse-themed mascot grounded in the land’s equestrian heritage.”

Ms. Cahill, a Lexington resident, told the Lexington Herald-Leader that she was pleased with the school district’s reversal.

“That was quick,” she said Tuesday night.

“It should be a more democratic decision,” she added. “There should be more consideration of female students.”

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