I am a student of this institution and have witnessed firsthand the unintentional perpetuation of stereotyping and cultural insensitivity our school mascot, an "Indian," brings. An extensive study into the history and vibrant cultures of Native American tribes has brought to my attention the crucial need to replace our mascot.

It's a well-meaning yet misconstrued assertion that the creation of this mascot by a Native American teacher makes it acceptable. However, this perspective forgets a crucial point - one person does not represent the views and feelings of an entire culture. The present depiction can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and misconceptions. For example, according to the American Psychological Association, such mascots affect not only the Native Americans' perception of themselves but also how others perceive them, often negatively (APA, 2014).

It's important to remember that our mascot represents us all. As of the 2010 US Census, Native Americans and Alaska Natives (AIAN) made up 2 percent of the total population, yet they experience societal disparities in healthcare, education, and unemployment rates. This demonstrates we should create environments promoting understanding and respect for their culture, not demeaning stereotypes.

Respect for all cultures ensures a more inclusive school environment. Let's replace our current mascot with a symbol that represents our unity and fosters respect for diversity, thereby reflecting the values of our institution. Please sign this petition to support our endeavor to foster a culture of respect and unity within our school.