Retire the Edgewood Warriors Mascot

Retire the Edgewood Warriors Mascot

Started
June 21, 2020
Petition to
Buckeye Local School District - Ashtabula Ohio
Signatures: 2,023Next Goal: 2,500
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Why this petition matters

Started by Ronny Woodburn

For many generations, the mascot of Edgewood High School in Ashtabula, Ohio has been the Warriors, represented by a caricature of a Native American wearing a tradition headdress. As we continue into the new decade, it is becoming more and more clear that any and all behavior directed towards any group of marginalized people is unacceptable and should not be tolerated under any circumstances. This includes the usage of an indigenous person in the form of a mascot. 

The National Congress of American Indians writes: "rather than honoring Native peoples, these caricatures and stereotypes are harmful, perpetuate negative stereotypes of America's first peoples, and contribute to a disregard for the personhood of Native peoples." 

Frequent offensive behavior exhibited throughout the years includes: 1) the appropriation of Native American clothing in usage for the mascot, as well as cheerleading uniforms, 2) the appropriation of Native American music as apart of Edgewood's fight song, 3) the usage of offensive cheers and gestures (such as the tomahawk chop) during sporting events, and several more. 

It is understood that should the Buckeye Local School District adapt a change, the response could be met quite negatively. However, this should not prevent the leaders of the district, as well as the school board, to do the right thing and eliminate the usage of the Warrior mascot. We look to the leaders of our community, our government, and our education to set the standard of acceptable behavior and to incorporate anti-racist ideals and behavior. The staff and students (past, present, and future) are all exceptional people. Buckeye Local School District has been the foundation for us all, and will continue to be, but in order to continue to affect change, they must show that they are willing to be examples to the generations to come, educate themselves, and improve their behavior for all of the community. It is for these reasons, it is hopeful that the leaders of Buckeye Local School District will rise to the occasion and do what is expected of them to do as leaders in education. 

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Signatures: 2,023Next Goal: 2,500
Support now
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Decision Makers

  • Buckeye Local School District - Ashtabula Ohio