LANCASTER, N.Y. (AP) — The debate over a suburban Buffalo high school's Redskins nickname drew a crowd of several hundred for a public forum on the issue.

Local media report that more than 500 people showed up for Tuesday night's community forum held in Lancaster High School's cafeteria. The school district held the gathering to get the public's input on the whether the Redskins mascot and nickname should be replaced after nearly 70 years.

Opponents of the nickname say it's offensive to Native Americans. Supporters counter that the nickname wasn't meant to be malicious and should be kept because of its longtime connection to Lancaster sports teams.

District officials say the feedback gathered during the forum will be compiled into a report that will help inform the board of education's study of the issue.

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