The community of Highland, Arkansas and surrounding areas have come together with the hope to change Highland High School's long standing mascot, the rebel.

It is our desire to change the mascot because of what the Rebel Man represents. A lack of acceptance and disrespect. As stated in Highland's history web page,

"Selected by the students, faculty, and administration in 1964, the school district mascot is the Rebel, and school colors are red and gray. Community support has continued to be one of the strong assets of the school district."

The students helped select the mascot and now the students (both current and former) are asking it to be changed.

The district states that it "...exemplifies the best of our young people who represent the next generation of citizens."

These are the voices of that next generation.

• "It is not appropriate in this day and age for us to consider confederate imagery as our identity and to display it proudly within our schools. "
• "I have wished for a mascot change since I was a Junior in high school."
• "...people today who are apart of the Highland School District are not racist and do not view the mascot that way. But to me, it seems that racism is what is was founded upon"
• "I hope that Highland decides to change our mascot to one that respects and honors every person of every background."
• "I still to this day have friends that are POC and they hate to drive through our area in fear for themselves and that just should not exist anymore."
• "A change in mascot is long overdue and is a great opportunity for the school to establish a standard of progress and inclusivity."
• "I feel like a Scotsman would be more representative of the school name"
• "... there is a difference in remembering the past and idolizing it. We shouldn’t idolize American soldiers who fought for slavery any longer."
• "I think that the bandage needs to be ripped off. We can and should set this example in the community."
• "The rebel mascot and confederate flag do not inspire pride in a school that I am in fact rather proud to have attended. I implore you to hear the concerns of my fellow HHS alumni and consider this change."
• "The students deserve a mascot of which they can fully embrace, resulting in greater pride in their school and community."
• "I would not want my kids to become a target for something the parents and the community should have changed decades ago."
• "I have heard numerous stories of students being threatened, intimidated, or otherwise made to feel unsafe for wearing Rebel gear. Students should be able to represent our school with pride, even outside of our community."
• "I am a mixed student who always felt uncomfortable with the mascot"