I’m a student at PHS. This petition is about the change that needs to happen concerning our “mascot”. Currently, the students and staff of Powhatan High School call themselves the “Indians” and appropriate Native American culture by using them as a mascot, wearing headdresses and even using names such as “tribe time” to describe a study period. While I am not Native American, I know of many people who are upset by this, including myself. When we use Native Americans as a mascot, it dehumanizes them. It is not right to use an entire group of people and their culture as something that is mocked at football games. As you may have seen on the news, the football team ‘Redskins’ are finally on their way to changing their team’s name, and I was hoping we could follow in their steps. I ask that the students and staff of PHS, along with those who are in support of this, sign this petition to change the mascot of our high school from a Native American person to something that is non-offensive and respectful.