Throughout my life, research has consistently shown that Native American students are challenged and harmed by the use of Native American mascots. My rural hometown has four of these systematic oppressors within a 20-mile radius. I am a graduate of Tecumseh and an officer of Oklahoma’s oldest active alumni association; however, I am not a savage. I am a proud citizen of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.
Slurs should never be used to synthesize identity and pride in our belonging. We cannot make exceptions for indigenous peoples. Tradition cannot defeat conscience. The use of a slur in conjunction with the depiction of a Native American as a school mascot is a recurring theme in my hometown. Debates about honor and lack of personal insult should not allow for factual racism. We must accurately name the intentional perpetuation of slurs as mascots.
Individual action and reparations are essential at the district level, yet diversity of thought and experience limits rural districts and overlooks historically oppressed communities. The districts that boast racist epitaphs are not governed by the populations they seek to embody. Moreover, districts face larger threats that they must address: declining funding revenues, shortages of skilled workers, and holistic student support.
That doesn’t even address the growing divide between the districts, Superintendent of Schools Ryan Walters, and the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Laws or state mandates banning the use of swear words as mascots would provide an opportunity to protect Indigenous children and honor Indigenous people who serve only as symbols in the current system. Districts should not be responsible for implementing common sense laws on a case-by-case basis. This is a short-sighted waste of time that divides the community and limits the influence of dedicated educators and Oklahoma’s education system. The responsibility lies at a higher level.
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Elected officials should have intervened sooner. If the state abdicates that responsibility, communities must work together to equitably protect each and every one of our children. District officials, school board members, and community leaders must act now.
Insults have no place in schools, let alone on the masthead. All students have the right to belong and have full access to education. Change the mascots and decide to limit obscenities in our children’s lives.
Bobby “Trae” Trousdale (Potawatomi Citizen) is a native Oklahoman and active member of the community. He currently lives south of Oklahoma City.
