The warrior logo is a harmful stereotype that not only affects individuals in our community of indigenous descent, but also limits the view of the non-indigenous individuals in our community, as well. 

The American Psychological Association (APA) published a statement in 2005 detailing the effects of “American Indian mascots” on the community. I have attached a link at the end of this petition to the full article, but in summary:

1. These types of mascots establish an unwelcoming environment for students of Native American descent by a) undermining their ability to accurately portray their culture and b) displaying a form of discrimination leading to dissent amongst groups, and

2. By making these types of mascots acceptable in the community, the education of members of the community, especially those who have had little or no contact with indigenous people, is undermined.

It is important to note that the APA suggested the retirement of these mascots when they published this official statement in 2005. Since this article was published, there has been a number of psychology periodicals that have published peer-reviewed research supporting this statement. Again, I have included links at the end of this petition. I would please ask that you use the attached articles to conduct research of your own on the topic. 

There are a number of hurtful school mascots in our area that, to be honest, set some students up for failure. It would be nice for Wakefield to stand out and be the first school in our area to actively say that we will be more inclusive and open to all individuals. Perhaps if Wakefield Schools were to make the first move other school systems would follow? 

These types of mascots really do a disservice to the indigenous population that our state was named after. On a more personal note, I have oftentimes found myself embarrassed to be associated with such a stereotypical symbol. I would like a mascot that would make us all proud. 

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Link to the APA’s official statement on retiring American Indian mascots: https://www.apa.org/pi/oema/resources/indian-mascots

Link to Basic and Applied Social Psychology 2008 article: https://www.aistm.org/frybergmarkusoysermanstone2008.pdf

Link to Digital Commons at American University Washington College of Law 2014 article: https://digitalcommons.wcl.american.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1003&context=fasch_rpt