As you know, many schools around the U.S have Natives as their mascot. This is not only inhumane but also extremely disrespectful. They have been beaten, killed and made fun of on their own land so why do we continue to have them as our mascot? They're human beings, not animals. 

La Puente High School is unfortunately one of those many schools that have a Native as their mascot. They claim their mascot is a warrior when in reality it's a  Native American. Indigenous people have been dehumanized for years, starting way back when Christopher Columbus first "discovered" America. They face constant mocking and culture appropriation. Their traditional dressings that have cultural meaning have been used as Halloween costumes for years now. A brief google search will tell you how much Natives have faced throughout the years. One example would be the fact that native women were sterilized between 1973-1976. According to Native Voices, 3,406 women were sterilized without their consent, 36 of these cases revolving around women under the age of 21. Even though their ancestors history was filled with violence and blood, we still have their faces plastered on our school walls. Natives have yet to receive the respect they should.

I want this petition to reach the principal and the La Puente mayor. I hope they can open their eyes and see how having a Native American as their mascot is extremely hurtful to the indigenous community and inhumane.