Pennsylvania School District Reinstates Controversial Native American Logo Amid Criticism
Newly elected school board members, who campaigned with the old mascot, voted in favor of the reinstatement, sparking debate about cultural sensitivity and racial bullying.
- Southern York County School District in Pennsylvania voted 7-2 to reinstate the district's old mascot logo portraying a Native American fighter, which had been retired in April 2021.
- The decision has faced criticism for being outdated and culturally insensitive, with some parents and students arguing that the logo debate has heightened racial bullying.
- The Native American Guardian's Association (NAGA), a nonprofit organization that lobbies against the removal of Native American mascots, gave an hourlong presentation before the vote.
- Five new members were elected to the school board last November, all reportedly Republicans, who had campaigned with the old mascot on their materials, changing the majority stance on the logo issue.
- Supporters of the logo cite the district's history and claim many students and parents favor it but are afraid of being called racists.