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By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Thursday, August 24, 2017

University of Southern California Concerned About Mascot Name

The University of Southern California mascot Traveler. | (Photo: Facebook/USC MASCOT Traveler)

At the University of Southern California, a growing concern has been raised about the name of the school's horse mascot.

Ridden by a man in Trojan attire, the white horse is named Traveler, which is only one letter off of the name of Gen. Robert E. Lee's beloved steed, Traveller.

"At the rally, according to the student newspaper the Daily Trojan, Saphia Jackson, co-director of the USC Black Student Assembly, asked students not to be quiet, and told that 'white supremacy hits close to home' and referenced the name of the Trojans mascot," reported the Los Angeles Times.

"The Black Student Assembly did not respond to requests for comment, but questions about the name's provenance have increased on social media in the midst of the national discussion on race."

For their part, USC has stated that the name was chosen because it was a common appellation for horses and has always meant to serve as a symbol of Troy.