The Ypsilanti Courier
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Parents and students debate mascot issue
Residents fear the "Braves" mascot promotes racism
By Kathleen Conat, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: August 25, 2005
The third forum in a series designed to allow public debate on the issue of whether or not to retain the Ypsilanti High School Brave mascot and logo took place last week in the high school's media center. About 30 people, including Board of Education trustees, Amy Doyle, Cameron Getto and Tom Reiber.
Advertisement
Committee Chairman Mark Higbee noted the discussion had taken on new meaning in light of the recent National Collegiate Athletic Association ruling on the issue.
That ruling banned the use of Native American mascots by sports teams in postseason tournaments and barred teams with those mascots from hosting future postseason tournaments. The NCAA calls this an important step in its campaign to eliminate "hostile or abusive" nicknames and mascots.
Higbee also noted that one-half of all high schools with Native American nicknames and mascots have given up those nicknames and mascots, but that not one single professional team has yet done so. Higbee said his own opinion, which had been "somewhat leaning toward retaining the name" prior to his agreeing to chair the committee, had changed. He now strongly believes the name and mascot should be changed.
Amelia Rowley, a member of the BOE's ad hoc committee on the mascot issue and president of YHS senior class, said she had never seen the Brave used derogatorily. "I feel it would be a different matter if it was," she said, She also said she knew students in the high school were against the change.
When Rowley was asked how she felt about the symbol on the gym floor, she stated she was not offended by it, although she knew others who were. "Change the symbol if that is offensive, but not the name," she suggested.
In response to another question, it was noted by several speakers that the school district does not provide lessons on Native American culture. Several speakers also pointed out that, regardless of the respect YHS students may display toward the mascot, the Brave becomes a target at the pep rallies of rival schools, if not at the actual games themselves. This behavior spreads the negative image of Native Americans to the rival schools.
One speaker, who did not identify herself, noted the mascot is contrary to the Michigan constitution. More importantly to her, the depiction of the Brave in the logo is inaccurate "The feathers are worn inappropriately," she said, noting that eagle feathers have a spiritual connotation to many Native Americans.
George Ramon said the Native Americans are frustrated by the lack of knowledge of what bravery means to them. "Bravery is not fighting. Bravery is what you do for your people. It's speaking up for your community. It's love for your people, taking care of your elders, helping out others. You say you want to honor us, but honor is respecting that we are hurt and feel disrespected."
Ericka Terry, youth librarian for the Ypsilanti District Library and committee member, said she had researched the effects of change on the districts that have made them. "Nothing was a really big problem, once the decision had been made," she said.
Terry said uniforms had been replaced with ones featuring the new name as old uniforms wore out. The image on the gym floor would have to be changed or removed. Eventually, the water tower would have to be repainted. About a dozen signs would have to be replaced.
"It's not a big deal, but there is a certain amount of financial outlay," she noted.
Higbee said he had talked with a lot of people who simply do not care. "Most people are apathetic. It's only a burning issue on the fringes of both sides of the issue."
Eva Kennedy, a Native American, said the people of her generation were pushing for the eradication of these symbols in order to give their children and grandchildren better self-esteem.
"How many Native Americans who are doctors, lawyers, teachers are there?" she asked. "Not many, because kids get discouraged and drop out. WE are speaking out to gain same respect and let the kids have self-esteem and not be teased."
Vicky Moyad said her daughter went to YHS for one month in 1986, but when the other students found out she was Native American, they made racial slurs. When the high school administration said they could do nothing about it, she transferred her daughter to Willow Run.
Margaret Noori, a lecturer in languages at Eastern Michigan University, spoke in her native Ojibwa language to introduce herself before continuing her message. "Words are very powerful. The name 'Brave' is one of the issues we have with this. "Bravery is one of the seven gifts of our grandfathers. It means to have heart. To take care of one's family and village."
Noori offered to help the district with educating the community and changing the mascot.
Ramon added, "You have to choose whether you want a racist institution or to be part of a healing change. Accept me as George, not where I'm from or what I am. I'm George. Native Americans have faith in our next generations. I have faith that you will make the right decision if you know what the background is."
John Good, a senior at YHS, said he had come into the forum feeling neutral about the issue. He understood what Rowley was saying, but "I don't want to be in a school that promotes racism." He suggested the name be separated from the logo. "The idea of bravery is universal, with many different connotations."
Noori agreed if the word was used as an adjective, instead of as a noun, it would be acceptable.
"The school should do a better job of educating in this area," Good continued. "I've just learned November is Native American Month. We learn about black history in February and we should learn about Native Americans during November."
Laura Reiber, a graduate of YHS, said the problem of ignorance would still survive, even if the mascot was changed. "Education on Native American culture should be the priority. The logo should be eliminated, but educate the students as to why. "
A discussion of whether or not the symbol could be separated from the name resulted in no conclusive agreement.
The ad hoc committee will write a report and submit its findings to the BOE, showing both sides of the argument, according to Higbee. The board will make the final decision regarding the issue.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Not all stories are guaranteed to appear
online. The Web edition contains a reasonable
sampling of the print edition stories.
For the most complete news coverage, we invite you to
subscribe
to the print edition of the paper.
TOP JOBS
