Hurricane High School is prestigious in its academics, with some of the highest graduation rates and SAT scores in the state of West Virginia. Great educators, personnel, community, athletic teams, and the arts all make Hurricane a great place to be. 

We are in a historic period of social justice in this country. As citizens call for an end to systemic racism, it is important to examine our own communities and help advocate for a better future. That is why we asking to change Hurricane Middle and High School's mascot. The term "redskin" is a racial slur, used to denigrate or put down Indigenous people. The term does not honor them, and many tribes and nations have spoken against the term "redskin" for decades.  

Below are definitions for "redskin":

1) Dictionary.com: "Disparaging and Offensive. A contemptuous term used to refer to a North American Indian."

2) Merriam-Webster: "American Indian, usually offensive"

3) Oxford Learner's Dictionary: "a very offensive word for a Native American"

As an educational institution, it's important to teach students that racial slurs and hateful language have no place at Hurricane. Now more than ever, is the time to stand up and recognize our mistakes.