District 87 school board members vote 5-2 to get rid of American Indian mascots in the district as part of a resolution that forbids mascots identifiable by national origin. The district has been criticized for its representation of the mascot, which opponents say is stereotypical and degrading to American Indians.

Bloomington High's teams will continue to be called ``The Purple Raiders.''

Despite the vote, changes may not be take effect immediately. Board President Diana McCauley said it could take several years to replace sports uniforms, an emblem on the gym floor and other representations of the mascot. Thursday afternoon, an emblem was removed from the gym wall by school district workers, according to WJBC radio in Bloomington.

The vote caps months of debate over the mascot that began in April and included a public forum last week.

The District 87 vote also affects the mascot at Washington Elementary School, where an Indian chief symbolizes the Warriors. The board has not decided how a new mascot will be chosen.