Mascot Updates

At the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, ASB started to discuss the possibility of a mascot change based on concerns brought up over the previous decade. After weeks of discussion, research, and deliberation, ASB voted to bring the decision of changing the John Burroughs Indian mascot to the student body, pursuant to the process outlined in the school’s constitution. ASB worked to educate and allow for an open dialogue during this process before a formal vote occurred with the current student body. ASB formed a committee and delegated tasks including reaching out to local tribes, finding programs to help offset the costs of changing the mascot and researching schools who had changed from a Native American mascot.

Feedback was also elicited from the student body and their questions were answered. Resources and information were posted for students regarding the upcoming decision. Alumni reached out both in favor and against changing the mascot. Their concerns and support were made available to the students through the ASB website. A virtual forum was held to discuss the changing of the mascot. Alumni, community members, BUSD faculty and staff and students were invited to attend. The meeting was recorded and posted so those who were unable to attend could still watch.

A formal vote was held and all votes were verified to be from current John Burroughs High School students. With nearly double the amount of YES votes than NO votes, the students made the decision to change the mascot. The next step was to accept new mascot submissions from the student body and community. ASB received hundreds of submissions and after weeks of discussion, narrowed it down to 23 choices. The current student body began to vote, picking a top 5, then a top 3, then a top 2. The final vote concluded on March 31st, with over 1700 students participating in this process.

We are excited to announce that John Burroughs High School has a new mascot.

BEARS!