Why Native American Mascots Should Be Banned

Imagine knowing that a school has decided to have a mascot that mocks your culture. How would that make you feel? Many schools have and still continue to use insensitive mascots without caring about how insensitive it might seem. For example, Native American mascots are a type of mascot commonly used and have hurt people. While it might seem to be a symbol of the school, these mascots send false messages, creating a harmful environment and even lead to bullying. Native American mascots create harmful stereotypes, they show Native Americans in a wrong way, and they can lead to bullying and harassment and for these reasons, mascots should be banned.

Native American mascots have created stereotypes that are offensive and misleading. These mascots show Native Americans wearing large feathered hats or doing fake dances, without knowing their cultural significance. That’s a stereotype. Some students might think it’s just a costume or tradition, but it actually teaches people false ideas about Native life and culture. According to Document 3, mascots “reflect and reinforce stereotyping and prejudice among non-Native persons.” These biases shape how others view Native people, and those views are often incorrect and unfair. Document 1 explains that students learn by what they see in school, so when schools use Native mascots, they are sending the wrong message. These stereotypes can stay in kids’ minds and shape how they treat others. Richard P. Mills, the state education commissioner, from Document 2 says mascots “can make the school environment seem less safe and supportive," which shows that Native American mascots don’t just offend Native students, they create a school climate where all students may think it’s okay to joke or disrespect others based on their culture. Stereotypes are not harmless; they can do lasting damage to how students think and behave. This is why removing these mascots is so important. Not just for fairness, but for creating a better school environment.

Additionally, Native American mascots misrepresent Native people by showing them in fake or disrespectful ways. Mascots are often cartoon versions of Native Americans that have nothing to do with real culture or traditions. As Brian Patterson, a Bear Clan representative on the Oneida Men's Council, says in Document 2, "The mascots are derogatory and slanderous and misrepresent what Indian life is really about." Some mascots even use headdresses and symbols from Plains tribes, even when those symbols are sacred or don’t represent the local Native groups at all. Patterson explains that many schools used images of Plains Indians in feathered headdresses, even though not all tribes dressed that way. These visuals are inaccurate and disrespectful. Document 5 mentions team names like “Savages” and “Red Raiders,” which are outdated and offensive. Real people and cultures are portrayed as mascots to be laughed at or cheered for entertainment purposes. According to Document 6, there are still 783 schools that use “Indians” as their team name. That shows this issue hasn’t gone away. It’s still affecting students right now. Some schools have already made the change that shows that it is possible to do the right thing. For example, Glens Falls High School used to be called the "Indians," but they decided to change their name and image and according to document 2, “in 1994, St. John's University changed the name of its sports team from the Redmen to the Red Storm. Document 5 says, "Glens Falls School Superintendent announced the district would change its Indian mascot name and imagery." This shows that change is possible, and when schools take action, they set a good example for others. Ending misrepresentation means choosing mascots that are respectful and accurate rather than based on old, harmful ideas.

Native American mascots can lead to bullying and harassment. When students see their culture being turned into a cartoon, it can feel like the school is mocking them. It sends the message that their identity isn’t taken seriously. According to Document 4, the Dignity for All Students Act protects students from “emotional harm” and requires schools to stop discrimination. This act was created to make sure schools are safe and supportive for everyone, no matter their background. Document 3 explains that Native mascots “inhibit the creation of a safe and supportive environment for all students.” When students see offensive or exaggerated images of Native people, it can lead to teasing, name-calling, or students feeling isolated. Schools are supposed to be places where every student feels welcome and safe. Document 4 also says that the goal is to “create a safe and supportive school climate” where students can focus on learning. If a student feels disrespected every time they walk into a gym or see their school’s logo, it’s impossible to feel included. These mascots don’t build school spirit. Instead, they destroy it.

Some people believe that Native American mascots are not bad. Some argue that mascots were created to honor Native American culture and represent traits such as bravery, pride, and strength. Mascots are seen as important traditions that bring people together and connect current students with alumni. According to Document 3, some individuals believe mascots “bring communities together” or show “respect” by keeping Native imagery visible. However, even if the intention is to celebrate Native culture, the result is often harmful. These mascots rely on stereotypes such as war chants, feathered headdresses, or false tribal images that do not reflect the history of Indigenous peoples. Document 3 explains that mascots “reflect and reinforce stereotyping and prejudice among non-Native persons,” meaning they promote false beliefs that can shape how people view Native Americans. The Dignity for All Students Act, described in Document 4, protects students from emotional harm and mandates that schools create a safe and supportive climate. When Native students are exposed to mascots that misrepresent their identity, they may feel mocked, excluded, or unsafe. Some argue that mascots are meant as a tribute, however schools that keep these mascots risk violating regulations and losing state funding, as warned by the Education Commissioner. In the end, even though some people feel attached to their school’s mascot, those feelings cannot outweigh the damage being done. All students deserve to feel respected and valued in their learning environment, and that’s why Native American mascots must be removed.

Native American mascots should be banned from schools. Schools should be a place where everyone feels safe. These mascots hurt students, spread false ideas, and are not fair to Native Americans. The evidence proves that they spread harmful stereotypes, misrepresent Native cultures, and lead to harassment and emotional harm. It is important to understand that misrepresenting the Natives affects students and schools must follow the law and show respect for all students by creating safe, welcoming places to learn.

Works Cited

1. Heyward, Giulia. “New York Tells Schools to Drop Native American Mascots.” NPR, 19 Nov. 2022, 7:00 a.m. ET. https://www.npr.org.

2. McKinley Jr., James C. “Schools Urged To Stop Using Indian Names.” The New York Times, 6 Apr. 2001. https://www.nytimes.com.

3. The State Education Department / The University of the State of New York. Memo on Native American Mascots, Albany, NY 12234.

4. New York State Education Department. Dignity for All Students Act Summary. https://www.nysed.gov/dignity-for-all-students-act-dasa.

5. Moore, Kathleen. “All Native American Mascots and Nicknames Must Go, New York Says.” Times Union, 18 Nov. 2022. https://www.timesunion.com.

6. National Congress of American Indians. “Ending ‘Indian’ Mascots” Initiative - National School Mascot Tracking Database: The Current Numbers. Last updated 5 Apr. 2023. https://ncai.org.