At its Monday night meeting, the Wichita School Board voted 6 to 0 to drop the North High School Redskins mascot name.
Terrell Davis, Chair of the North High Mascot Committee, read the committee's recommendation to the board. "That we would discontinue the use of the redskin mascot and nickname. The term is offensive to Native Americans and the Native American culture," Davis said. The committee also called the term racially and culturally insensitive.
USD 259 posted the following update on its website after Monday evening's approval:
The committee will not create a new mascot, but will adhere to BOE policy 1216, which states a school building principal is responsible for the development of school themes, songs, flags, etc. At this time, the North High administration has no plans to create a new mascot. The school will be referred to Wichita North High School and the school will continue to use their shield, drum and feather logo.
The school will have a 2-year phase-in plan starting in the 21-22 school year to remove the mascot name on athletic and fine arts uniforms, school apparel and signs.
The committee said this is not about rewriting history or erasing North's past and accomplishments of the North community and alumni. All trophy cases and statues will remain as they are, as well as the Native American artwork on the outside of the school.
The committee also recommended the development of a 9th-grade Advocacy class curriculum that highlights the history of North High and its Native American influence. The curriculum would be developed in conjunction with the WPS Native American Program and include hands-on experiences with Native American artifacts.
