It was a familiar scene for Morris Community high school, a school of about 850 students, none of whom are Native, according to a 2019 Illinois report card. Its mascot has long been “the Redskins”, a term widely considered a racial slur against Native Americans. Current and former students told the Guardian most home football games involve a white student who has been named “chief” dressed in an outfit meant to resemble Native regalia. The superintendent, principal and school board president did not return requests for comment. In the ensuing decades, he has attended school board meetings, arguing for the removal of the mascot, called and sent numerous emails to school officials, and also distributed reports and studies on the issue.

Source: The Guardian May 09, 2021 09:56 UTC