For decades, MCHS has been the “Home of the Indians,” a promotional catchphrase that is insensitive to Native Americans of the past, as well as those currently residing in our community. Some argue that this choice of mascot honors the Native Americans; however, representing ourselves as “Indians” in a stereotypical manner is dehumanizing, and many Native Americans have expressed their opposition to this harmful practice. The National Congress of American Indians kindly explains that mascots like the “Minooka Indians” “perpetuate negative stereotypes of America’s first peoples, and contribute to a disregard for the personhood of Native peoples.” The unfortunate truth is, Indian mascots were created in a society where bigotry and racism were widely accepted. As our school continues to grow, we need to leave indifference and ignorance about racial issues in the past and make necessary changes to move forward. We urgently propose that Minooka Community High School change our mascot.