WICHITA —The Wichita Board of Education voted Monday night to drop the use of the name Redskin. The board agreed with the North High Mascot Committee that the name is offensive to Native Americans and is racially and culturally insensitive.
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, according to the USD 259 web site. The school will be referred to Wichita North High School and the school will continue to use their shield, drum and feather logo.
The North High School mascot committee did not recommend the school create a new mascot and should focus on the school's pride.
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.
In January a large Kansas City area school district voted to eliminate the Braves and Indians mascots that four of its schools used. The Shawnee Mission district board decided that the mascots at Shawnee Mission North High School and Belinder, Shawanoe, Ruston elementary schools vneed to be replaced.