We wanted to address some concerns that the changing of the mascots is simply erasure of non-native guilt while not doing anything to address the erasure of Native history and voices. 

The mascot issue is step 1. The very first step. Just because you no longer talk to an abuser, does that mean you have forgotten what they did to you? Our experiences and how we are socialized form our behaviors and our minds, long after we stop being exposed to these experiences. We are invested in building community that not only ERADICATES continued harm, it REPAIRS harm. 

In our letter to the MHS administration prior to releasing this petition, we also advocated for teaching a robust curriculum of Indigenous history:

“Our goal is to change the mascot name immediately in advance of the 2020-2021 season, raise awareness around the marginalization of indigenous groups in our community and nationally, and advocate for your school to adopt a policy to teach accurate Native American history and contemporary facts.”

This revamping MUST also encompass greater perspectives in our examination of this country,  including greater awareness of Black and immigrant voices and movements. 

You cannot move on from your past if you do not own your past. This is not about guilt. This is about growing. 

We are gaining a lot of traction with over 700 signatures. Keep sharing the petition and keep having conversations. Let’s keep growing. Thank you, everyone!