Goodbye to the Edgewood Indian?

The Edgewood Indian has been our school’s mascot since the school's foundation, but amid concerns about its potential for insensitivity, the School Advisory Council (SAC) is currently inviting comment about retiring it. Before discussing the plan, let’s take a look at what we see now and can expect to see in future meetings.

The plan proposed by Principal Ingratta (see flowchart below) includes opportunity for the public to comment, both in person and by email, during both the September and October SAC meetings. Although time was allotted for 40 speakers at the September 17 SAC meeting, only five people elected to speak. Over 140 written comments both for and against the change have been received. Comments have come from teachers, current students, alumni, community members, parents, and even Mr. Ian Record, the vice president of Tribal Governance and Special Projects National Congress of American Indians.

The mascot review process started during the summer when numerous emails were received by the school outlining concerns with the current mascot. Assistant Principal Nick Stewart formed a study committee, which included faculty, current students, recent alumni, parents, and community members to look at the issues involved.

"We wanted to ensure it was a diverse group representative of all viewpoints and ages,” said Mr. Stewart.

At the conclusion of that initial meeting, the recommendation was made to continue the process of exploring the possibility of retiring the current Indian mascot. Ingratta then referred the matter to the SAC.

After the October 15 SAC meeting, where time for public comment has again been reserved, the committee will deliberate before the final 2020 SAC meeting on November 19. If the SAC determines they are ready to vote on the issue, a vote will be held during that meeting. If they decide more time is needed, they will wait to vote until the January 21, 2021 meeting.

Regardless of the date of the vote, there are two possible outcomes. If the committee votes to keep the mascot, the community would be alerted and no change would occur. However, if the committee votes to change the mascot, an announcement to the community will be made and the Student Government Association students will be asked to begin researching possibilities for a new Edgewood mascot.

In the coming month, the school will be announcing a simple survey, allowing students to indicate their preference: should the Edgewood mascot be changed, or not? When this opportunity for your voice to be heard occurs, don't miss your chance to be part of the process. It is important for our students, parents, teachers, and alumni to voice their opinions, making sure that the final decision is made with the input and suggestions of the community as a whole.