Following the murder of George Floyd, over the past few weeks Black Lives Matter has transformed into a global movement of unprecedented scale. This nation is finally having essential, long overdue conversations about the systemic racism ingrained into the structures of our society, from policing to the education system to the criminalization of homelessness to the failed war on drugs. 

Many citizens of Vero Beach have joined in solidarity through protests and community meetings. But, as poet and activist Audre Lorde wrote, "Revolution is not a one-time event. It is becoming always vigilant for the smallest opportunity to make a genuine change ..." . If we are to truly dedicate ourselves to the values of this movement, we must continue to hold each other accountable, to take substantial actions towards dismantling the systems that perpetuate racism and injustice on a local level, and work towards implementing sustained changes in our community. Now is the time to look inwards, examining ourselves and our community for pieces of the structures that have systematically exploited black people and people of color in this country. 

The Black Lives Matter movement focuses on the struggle of black people, but its goals cannot be fully realized without work towards the eradication of racism against all people of color. One small but essential step in this process must be removing the mascot of our local high school. Vero Beach High School's current mascot - "Fighting Indians" - goes far beyond the realm of sports. The use of American Indian iconography and namesake as mascots perpetuates harmful stereotypes. According to research, the use of such mascots can even have negative psychological, social and cultural effects on Native American youth. The National Congress of American Indians , “the nation’s oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native advocacy organization, has long held a clear position against derogatory and harmful stereotypes of Native people - including sports mascots - in media and popular culture.” 

Here's a 2001 statement from the US Commission on Civil Rights explaining why these mascots are insensitive and derogatory: 

"The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights calls for an end to the use of Native American images and team names by non-Native schools. While respecting the right to freedom of expression, the Commission believes that the use of Native American images and nicknames in school is insensitive and should be avoided. In addition, these mascots may violate anti-discrimination laws. Since the 1960s, many overtly derogatory symbols and images offensive to African Americans have been eliminated. However, many secondary schools, postsecondary institutions, and professional sports teams continue to use Native American nicknames and imagery despite the vigorous opposition of American Indian leaders and organizations. It is particularly disturbing that Native American references are still found in educational institutions, where they may create a racially hostile educational environment intimidating to Indian students. American Indians have the lowest high school graduation, college attendance, and college graduation rates. These problems may be exacerbated by the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. While some schools maintain that Indian imagery stimulates interest in American Indian culture, stereotypes encourage interest only in mythical "Indians" and block genuine understanding of contemporary Native people as fellow Americans. The elimination of stereotypes will make room for education about real Indian people, current Native issues, and the rich variety of American Indian cultures in our country."

In addition to retiring the mascot, Native American history needs to be given increased emphasis in the classroom at VBHS. The history of Native American settlements in Vero Beach, Florida especially needs to be taught, including the history of the Ais people who lived in the area from Cape Canaveral to St. Lucie County until they were virtually eradicated by the arrival of Europeans in the 17th century. 

It is understandable that sports mascots hold a deep emotional connection for some people, yet to continue to use this harmful mascot amidst the documented rise of hate crimes against Native Americans in the United States, along with the ingrained social and economic barriers rooted in racist American policies that face Native peoples every day is to commit an act of violence. To continue to turn a blind eye towards the detrimental and hateful nature of the school’s mascot during a global movement working to bring awareness to and eliminate injustice against people of color is to be on the wrong side of history. 

Sports is all about community, mutual respect, and fun. Schools work to foster environments of acceptance and learning. If the mascot by its very nature goes against those values, why not change it? 

Resources for further learning & conversation: 

 Video by the National Congress of American Indians: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR-tbOxlhvE

“American Psychological Association Resolution Recommending Retirement of American Indian Mascots”: https://www.apa.org/pi/oema/resources/indian-mascots

“The Cost of Insensitive School Mascots” https://aasa.org/content.aspx?id=34458