The Winchester Sachem is one of many racist depictions of Indigenous people that are used as mascots across the country. 

Some believe that this choice of mascot honors Native Americans, however, using the representation of “Indians” in a stereotypical manner is dehumanizing, and many Native Americans have expressed their opposition to this harmful practice. As the national congress of American Indians says, “rather than honoring Native peoples, these caricatures and stereotypes are harmful, perpetuate negative stereotypes of America’s first peoples, and contribute to a disregard for the personhood of Native peoples.”

Our school strives to create an accepting and progressive educational environment, but with the known psychological effects of Native American mascots on Native youth, there is one group blatantly left out of these efforts. Growing up under symbols such as the Sachem, Native children begin to view themselves and their culture negatively, or they know nothing of it at all. With native history not taught in schools, should an incorrect, dehumanizing, racist mascot be the only (incorrect) exposure to their culture these Native youth have? 

Not only does the Sachem affect Native youth, but it negatively affects every student to study at Winchester High School. How can we be an educational institution that teaches acceptance of diversity under a mascot such as the Sachem? 

Sign the petition to get rid of the Winchester Sachem and make Winchester High School a more accepting place of learning for everyone.