Gar-Field High School Plans To Remove 'Indians' Mascot

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Gar-Field High School is replacing its mascot, according to a letter from the school's principal on Monday. For years, the school's sports teams have been called the Indians, and used Native American imagery.

The school is accepting submissions from the community to help choose a new mascot. Submissions will be accepted until April 4.

The suggested names will be brought to a selection committee which will select some mascots as finalists. The school will then survey stakeholder groups in the community to evaluate their preferences.

"The SCA officers, elected student leaders, have called on Gar-Field to undergo a mascot change to promote a culture of respect and expand understanding for all," Principal Matthew Mathison wrote in the letter on Monday. "I have also heard from many alumni and community members expressing their support for a change, as well."

Devin Singh Stewart is an alumnus of Gar-Field High School. "I can only imagine what some indigenous people may feel about the mascot," he said. "There are undoubtedly some people who look at that and think, wow, what a mockery of our history and our culture."

"I welcome the change," Stewart said. "I'm very proud of Gar-Field for making an important step towards a future in which every facet of our society is more inclusive."

Other people took to social media to voice their displeasure with the change. "A mascot such as this is used in admiration," Bradley Clay wrote on Facebook. "It was selected to represent strength."

Ultimately, there is evidence to suggest Native American mascots that intend to admire or honor Native Americans do more harm than good. According to a study led by Stephanie Fryberg of the University of Michigan, Native American mascots often lower the goals, self-esteem, and sense of community among Native American students.

Fryberg's study also found that Native American mascots negatively impacted the views of non-Native people. Non-Native people who were exposed to "Indian" mascots were more likely to view Native Americans as primitive, aggressive, and savage.

"I understand the prospect of any change can evoke a wide array of feelings and varied reactions," Principal Mathison wrote. "I call on all members of the Gar-Field community to remain united as we seek to select a mascot which fully reflects our values."

The submission forms for the new mascot selection are open now. There is one form that accepts submissions from Gar-Field students and staff, and another that welcomes submissions from community members.

The new mascot will be in place for the 2021-2022 school year, Principal Mathison said.