🧑‍🤝‍🧑Mascot: "Jeffs"

The "Jeffs" mascot has a fascinating, though somewhat controversial, history. Originally, the term "Jeffs" was used to refer to the athletic teams at Amherst College in Massachusetts, named after Lord Jeffery Amherst, a British general from the 18th century. However, this mascot was phased out due to concerns about Amherst's historical actions, particularly his suggestion to distribute smallpox-infected blankets to Native Americans. Before its retirement, the "Jeffs" was a unique and historic symbol for Amherst College, often featured in athletic flyers and bulletins. It was a part of the college's tradition, with teams being called the "Jeffs" since the 1930s and 1940s. Despite its historical significance, the mascot was eventually replaced by the "Mammoths" in 2017, reflecting a shift towards a more inclusive and respectful identity. While the "Jeffs" is not commonly used anymore, it remains an interesting piece of history, highlighting the importance of considering the impact of our symbols and traditions.