Cummings urges School Committee to abolish GHS Indian mascot

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the news coming tonight (Tuesday), courtesy of the School Committee’s posted meeting packet:

Dear School Committee Members,

Ten years ago, I became superintendent of the Grafton Public Schools. On my first day on the job I remember thinking it was a shame that the high school mascot was the Indian. At the time, Grafton was one of a few dozen school districts in the state of Massachusetts with a mascot based on Native American culture. As many school districts were moving away from the use of such mascots, I assumed that we too would take action as well.

Here we are, ten years later, and the Indian remains the mascot for Grafton High School. As one of the leaders in the school
district, my advocacy for a need to change our mascot is long overdue.

Grafton is a wonderful community and our high school is a reflection of what is best within our community. Our students are a product of the Grafton community and they represent the future and what can be. Our continued use of a race-based mascot stands against the very fiber of what
we should be instilling in our children and students. As a high school community, we have committed to a focus on building acceptance and actively working against racism. These two ideals are marginalized with the existence of a race-based mascot.

We can and should honor Native Americans. I am confident that we will be able to recognize and honor the history of Native Americans in far more meaningful ways than serving as our high school mascot.

I recommend that the Grafton School Committee consider the topic and vote to end the use of the Indian as the mascot for Grafton High School.

Sincerely,

Jay Cummings, Superintendent of Schools