This is an email that was sent to the board from Kip Wilson. MHS Class of 1997.

I'm a strong proponent of keeping tradition alive and have emailed all of the members of the 383 school board the following. 

I recently read an article in the Manhattan Mercury regarding the Board discussing the possibility of changing the school mascot name. I am a lifelong Manhattanite and part of the 1997 graduating class. I would like to express to you that I am strongly AGAINST changing the name away from the INDIANS. 

In case you are not aware, the Indian name is used to honor a prior Manhattan coach and Native American (of Iroquois descent), Frank Prentup. Duke Prentup, Frank's son returned to Manhattan from out of state in 2017 to express his support for keeping the Indian name. In addition, Brent Yancy, a long-time teacher/coach in the Manhattan school system and Native American himself, drew the image displayed at the west campus. 

It is my opinion that the Indian name is honorable and not derogatory. The more I read about it being offensive, the less I hear of Native Americans speaking out against it. In fact, the Haskell Indians Nation College is referred to as the "Fighting Indians” If it was so offensive, I would think they would change it as soon as possible. 

In 2017 the student body voted and per an article in The Mentor dated 12/12/2017, the highest vote count was for No Mascot change, yet somehow each of the other category votes were combined and thus negated the No Mascot vote. 

"This recommendation came on the heels of the final vote on Nov. 30, in which students could pick either “No Mascot,” “Bison” or “Wolf.” The final vote totals were 505 students in favor of “No Mascot,” 448 for “Wolf,” and 441 for “Bison.” Counting the votes that way wasn’t the choice of a single person or group." 

There is no democratic election in the world that would interpret votes in that manner. 

I think the Board should stay in its lane and do it's best to "to educate each student to be a contributing citizen in a changing, diverse society." I appreciate you taking the time to serve and look forward to always being able to proudly be a Manhattan Indian.