Mascot task force discusses educational options
Athletic trophies are on display near the entrance to the gym at Central Campus.
On March 22, the fourth MCHS mascot task force meeting was held and members discussed increased educational opportunities at Minooka, including potential development of curriculum.
Dr. Kenneth Lee, the superintendent and facilitator of the conversations during the meetings, mentioned some classes that he would like to see incorporated into the curriculum.
“I’d like to see a Native American history class, an African-American history class, and a Women’s Studies class eventually,” Lee said.
The development process would require conversations regarding the courses and reviewing textbooks to later be presented to the administrative team alongside Dr. Lee in the fall. That would also require two seperate readings in front of the school board members, where they could approve of a course. If approved, whatever courses that went under discussion would be included in the course catalog for students to request and enroll in during the winter.
The task force also discussed possible presentations about Native Americans at Freshman Experience and during the Veteran’s Day assembly.
On April 7, the next mascot task force meeting will be held differently than it has in the meetings prior. The members of the comittee will be touring both campuses to observe the Native American imagery and have more conversations about it. This particular meeting will not be held via Zoom.
Related stories:
Mascot committee hears why usage is seen as offensive, March 22, 2021
Native American Guardian Association addresses mascot task force, March 12, 2021
Mascot task force committee formed, Feb. 24, 2021
When schools look to change mascots, Dec. 10, 2020
Donna Fann-Boyle • Mar 29, 2021 at 12:36 pm
“I’d like to see a Native American history class, an African-American history class, and a Women’s Studies class eventually,” Lee said.
So does this mean there will be a change of mascotry, name, imagery and logo to either an African American or a woman??
John Kane • Mar 29, 2021 at 10:30 am
Education about Native history and contemporary life should be completely independent of the conversation over Native mascots. And if it isn’t, then this is NOT about fixing the problem, it’s about continuing the problem. Any attempt to justify the use of Native mascots by only now offering to teach some Native history is NOT a compromise. It’s an excuse! Where was all that concern over Native history while white folks were playing “Indian” for the last 80 years?
End this racist practice and by all means teach the history because when you know the truth, you will wonder why you used us for mascots in the first place!