The Warriors. Past Niskayuna graduates remember their time spent as the “Warriors,” coming to football games and proudly shouting out our name at sporting events. Current students walk by the football field, seeing the huge “Warriors'' plastered on the newly made track and field. But now, there is the question in everyone’s minds: What happens now? 

In 2022, the Board of Regents approved a new mandate that required us, along with other schools that use Native references, to change their names. In addition to these names, schools in New York can no longer use Native American mascots, imagery, or logos. This is upsetting to many, as their teams and schools are being stripped of their school spirit. On the other hand, others agree with the change because when one studies the history/meaning behind such words/references, one can see why the name is offensive. These opposing viewpoints can be found at Niskayuna. 

Those who are against the name change use the word’s definition in their argument. When one looks at the word “Warriors,” it can mean many things. A warrior could be a knight or fighter, or it could simply mean someone who is brave. As a result, many argue that the usage of the name the “Warriors'' doesn't misrepresent Native American culture. 

Those who are for the name change use the time’s context in their argument. Niskayuna adopted the name the “Warriors” at a time when Native American culture was frequently being misused, as well as at a time when Native Americans were being mistreated. The school was likely using the same connotations as this time period was. As a result, this purposeful usage has been a major reason why Niskayuna decided to get rid of the offensive mascots that accompanied the name.

In the past, the “Warriors'' wasn't just a school name, but it was followed by images and mascots as well. Along with other schools, the Niskayuna high school had mascots that depicted Native Americans or would base our yearbooks on Native American depictions. Then, many years ago, the school made sure that we stemmed away from those kinds of acts that depicted Native Americans as mascots and used their culture in a demeaning way, which propelled Niskayuna to further change with how they approached Native American references.

So in summary, the word the “Warriors” may look like it doesn’t hold any significance to Native American culture. But, by studying Niskayuna’s past, it can be seen that the name was originally used for offensive reasons. Such offensive depictions were also shown through images. 

In the 11th grade AP English classes, they have been discussing such topics about Native American cultural appropriation. By learning about appropriation vs. appreciation, they try to observe the difference between using another culture without their consent, as opposed to appreciating that culture and letting them have a voice in the conversation. The English classes visited Mabee Farm, where they discussed these topics and explored more about our responsibility at Niskayuna and in the world of respecting everyone’s culture. Because of such classes and experiences, many 11th grade students’ views have changed on the issue. 

When talking to Mrs. DeSimony, an AP English teacher, about the different projects she has done in past years and the present regarding names/mascots, she said, “The need for a new mascot/nickname was a great opportunity for project based learning with real world application. We looked at sources pertaining to mascots, and Mr. Moskov visited our class to discuss the process and situation with the students. I showed the students images from Niskayuna yearbooks and school newspaper issues that contained racial caricatures and cultural appropriation from the 1960's-1980's.” 

In addition, Mrs. DeSimony explained how for a culminating project, students were told to propose having a new mascot or no mascot, providing reasoning for their choice. Through observing yearbooks, proposing new ideas, and eventually presenting them to other faculty members, students could both learn about the changes being done to Native American references and tie these current events to our school. Notably, this project was consequently an opportunity for the name/mascot change to be more community oriented. 

Many people don’t want to change the school’s name because they have grown accustomed to the name and love the school spirit that comes with it. Names are a source of pride, where students can come behind it and feel excited to support their school. But, there are many opportunities to do this while also respecting others. As discussed in the English classes and conversations around the district, even if one thinks a mascot is honoring a Native American tribe or person, it is still turning a real human being into an image. By making them a mascot, it suggests that the person is less than equal with other humans in society, as they are now seen as a simplified figure that can be used to represent a school. Additionally, when Native Americans are used as a mascot, it groups them together with other mascots such as animals, further portraying them as “less than others.”

The school has made a “We are Niskayuna” committee, where students, teachers, parents, athletes and others are able to discuss the new mascot. They will meet and work on:

1. Engaging students, staff, alumni, and community in identity-generating activities and exercises

2.  Brainstorm a list of potential new team names/identities, conduct a community vote on the new team name(s)

3. Present recommendations to our board of education on new team names/identities.

By doing this, students are able to join the conversation and have opportunities to try and find a new school name. Changes have already been made. The school newspaper, which was previously named the Warrior, is now called the Silver Scribe. With growing awareness of the subject, many people are also wondering why the school put “Silver Warriors” on the football field, since now we have to change it. Guest speakers have come to these 11th grade English classes to discuss the reasons behind this. One possibility that the class talked about was that many years ago, the school had already reformed our mascot image and worked on straying away from Native American imagery misuse. Therefore, Niskayuna assumed that the “Warriors” name wouldn’t be a problem, as they already made changes. As adjustments to Niskayuna are being done, other schools in need of changes are also starting to reform.  

Another topic that people are already discussing is the names of the middle/elementary schools. Craig, Van Antwerp, and a few other Niskayuna schools, are actually named after people who helped fund the district. As one might expect, these people were very wealthy and could  “buy” their name onto the school. However, many of these people were also enslavers, which leads to the conversation regarding the names of these schools.  

Changes to the Niskayuna name and mascot may be unsettling to many students. But, by embracing change and trying to understand others point of view, one can learn to value such changes. Ultimately, everyone is trying to make progress for our school and society. The school can be united in efforts to find another name that would be suitable for everyone. As Niskayuna tackles the issue of names, conversations will continue to take place for social changes such as these.