As most of you know, Carlisle’s mascot has always been an Indian. More specifically a Chief Indian. This in itself is a problem but Thursday, September 23rd it became too large to dismiss. At the homecoming pep rally for Carlisle High School, the organizers of the rally decided to have a caucasian student dress up in the traditional Indian War outfit and dance to the song “Hit The Quan” by ilovememphis. I, along with many other peers, believe this is entirely unacceptable. The Native American culture is not made for our entertainment, it is not meant to be a mascot or a costume to dance too. Actions like this dehumanize Native Americans and using a ceremonial and war headdress like he was is just disrespectful. Mascots like Carlisle’s paint Native Americans as savages and again dehumanizes them just for show.  War bonnets/headdresses (like the one worn by the student) are sacred and earned in tribes and are worn by high honored tribe members. This problem has been apparent in our school for long enough and it is now time to do something about it. With your help in signing this petition we could potentially change Carlisle’s inappropriate mascot.