The term "Midget" is very derogatory and offensive, specifically towards people of short stature, AKA little people. The FCHS environment should be welcome and accepting to all students, and it is extremely hurtful for the mascot representing something so disrespectful.

You may not think that the word is offensive, but it is up to the people that the word targets to decide. The term was first used in the 1860s when little people were forced to perform in circuses, and should never be used today. Using it in school is encouraging ableism, and it is making students think that it is okay to use offensive and hateful language.

For more information about all of this, go to The Little People of America's Website

We would like the FCHS Board of Education to revisit this issue that was brought to their attention in 2015 and to better consider all of the people who are being negatively affected this time. This school is encouraging its students to be ableist by selling them and their families merch with the offensive term and character and having the students refer to themselves with this term. Also, by decorating the entire school with the disrespectful word and mascot, it is forcing students to be surrounded by hate and ableism that they cannot get away from. We are asking for the change of the mascot. These things do not need to happen immediately, but it would be a great step if the school were to at least acknowledge that it is a problem and that they are working towards the solution of rebranding the school. There are many other mascots that could be chosen that would not be a direct target towards little people, and those against hate will keep pushing for FCHS to change it until they do.

We understand the history of the mascot and why it was not technically chosen as an insult directly at little people. We also understand that history cannot be erased, and that is why the school is so keen on keeping the name. However it is not worth it for an entire community of people to be offended simply because the school feels that they need to keep the 1934-35 basketball team's story alive. There are many other, less offensive ways of doing so. 

There are many sports teams and school mascots all over the country that are currently being changed because their teams and communities have realized that they need to make sure everyone around them are not targeted with hate. The community of Freeburg is a great group of people, and it would be amazing if they could put the past behind them and show their support for acceptance and kindness.