Depicting a Native American as a school mascot is harmful to Indigenous people | Guest opinion

For my entire life, research has consistently shown Indigenous students are challenged and harmed by the use of Native American mascots. In my rural hometown, four of these systemic oppressors exist within a 20-mile radius. I am a Tecumseh graduate and an officer of Oklahoma’s oldest active alumni association; however, I am not a Savage. I am a proud citizen of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.

Slurs should never be used to synthesize identity and pride in our affiliations. We cannot make exceptions for Indigenous people. Tradition cannot conquer conscience. The use of a slur accompanying the depiction of a Native American as a school mascot is a recurring conversation in my hometown. Debates of honor and absent personal offense should not permit de facto racism. We must accurately name the willful sustainment of slurs as mascots.

Individual action and redress are vital at the district level, but diversity of thought and experiences limit rural districts and overlook historically oppressed communities. The districts brandishing racial epitaphs are not governed by the population they seek to embody. Additionally, larger threats present themselves for districts to address: depleting funding revenues, qualified labor shortages and holistic student support.

This does not even broach the growing schism between districts, state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters and the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Statute or state mandates eliminating the use of slurs as mascots would present an opportunity to protect Indigenous children and honor the Native nations that are tokenized in the current system. Districts should not be responsible for implementing common-sense legislation on a case-by-case basis. This is a shortsighted waste of time that divides community, limiting the impact of devoted educators and Oklahoma’s education system. Responsibility lies at a higher level.

More: ‘Never enough’: Kansas City Chiefs embrace tomahawk chop despite decades of calls to change

Elected officials should have stepped in earlier. If the state forfeits that responsibility, communities must work together to protect each and every one of our children equitably. District officials, school board members and community leaders must take action now.

Slurs have no place in schools, let alone emblazoned on the masthead. All students are worthy of belonging and unfettered access to education. Change the mascots and resolve to limit obscenities within our children’s lives.

Bobby “Trae” Trousdale (Citizen Potawatomi) is a lifelong Oklahoman and active community member currently residing in the south side of Oklahoma City.