Editor’s note: This story contains reference to a racial slur. It is included in order to understand the incident.
In an unexpected move, Asheville’s Parks and Recreation Department has decided to retire its raccoon mascot following a controversy that raised questions about inclusivity and cultural sensitivity within the department. The once-beloved mascot, which had recently appeared in various public engagements such as “National Raccoon Appreciation Day,” will no longer feature in city materials.
The decision came after an internal issue involving departmental t-shirts with the slogan “make fun coontagious” led to discussions about workplace culture. An email from D. Tyrell McGirt, the department’s director, highlighted the racial undertones of the term “coon,” which has been a derogatory term against Black people. McGirt, who is Black, stressed that the word carries “significant trauma and is widely recognized as derogatory.”
A “lack of awareness”
Concerns were first raised on April 23, as noted in an email McGirt sent to city officials, including City Manager DK Wesley and City Attorney Brad Branham. The email referenced the problematic nature of the t-shirts and apologized for the “lack of awareness regarding the slogans used on our promotional materials.” McGirt committed to an investigation and promised to ensure “a respectful and inclusive environment for everyone.”
Photo courtesy of City of Asheville
McGirt revealed that the shirts, along with other raccoon-themed items, were created within the department without diverse input or rigorous oversight. Employees were asked to return these items for destruction, with invoices showing costs up to $7,940. Dawa Hitch, Asheville’s communications director, noted the department adjustment to review processes, stating, “This incident certainly identified a gap in our review process.”
Making changes
In response to the controversy, Asheville conducted meetings to address deeper concerns within the Parks and Recreation department. Staff pointed to issues like a disconnect between stated and actual values and the need for clearer policies and consistent enforcement. The city’s legal challenges over racially informed practices have only heightened the urgency of these discussions.
Photo courtesy of City of Asheville
Meetings were held to provide Black employees with a dedicated space to discuss their concerns, a move supported by city attorney Brad Branham, who stated it was “reasonable.” The department plans ongoing training sessions on cultural awareness and department culture, aiming to create an inclusive environment.
Online confusion
The internal issue surfaced publicly on May 11 through a Facebook post by Chad Nesbitt, a community journalist, who shared McGirt’s email. The post, which criticized the city’s actions, quickly gained traction online. However, it was later flagged with a community note falsely claiming the email was a hoax and denying the incident’s details.
While the city did not issue a formal external statement, Dawa Hitch clarified the city’s stance, saying, “The city of Asheville acknowledges that this was offensive and does not align with our values.” The city is committed to improving its support for staff and ensuring an inclusive culture.
