State panel’s recommendation for public schools with Indian mascots
“Right approach on Indian mascots,” April 22 editorial.
The Post’s defense of the governor’s solution to the use of Indian names and symbols opposed by some seems, at first glance, to be entirely reasonable. Enlist the tribes who are offended and obtain their consent and approval. What could be wrong with that? What’s wrong with that is that it gives one group power over what another group can say, or how they wish to be identified.
The Supreme Court has protected even offensive free speech in hundreds of cases. The governor’s solution gives “offended” groups the power to veto the chosen identity of another group. Freedom of speech includes the risk that someone may be offended by something said.
Shall we ban Oakland Raiders gear because that team’s behavior offends Broncos fans? Shall we ban the Pittsburgh Steelers’ yellow towels because we don’t like them waved in our stadium?
Of all the entities that should fight for the rights of groups to identify themselves as they see fit, regardless of whether some may be offended, I would think a major newspaper such as The Post would fight the hardest.
My sons attended Arapahoe High School, which has a warrior mascot. More than 20 years ago, our principal at the time, Ron Booth, established a relationship with the Arapaho Nation. It has been an amazing blend of cultures for both sides. Our current principal, Natalie Pramenko, has continued this relationship. The tribe and the elders come to our school every other year and bless and re-establish the relationship through dance. They also visit classes all day. On the off years, about 50 of our students go to the reservation and visit their school. An elder designed our mascot, and it is beautiful and well respected. Elders come to our graduation every year, which makes it a ceremony like no other. When our school went through a terrible ordeal, the tribe came to help us through it. It has been an amazing part of my sons’ education.