Ready for Ravens Resources December 2018

“Rooty” the Raven -Illustrated by Leigh Alley SHS!19 Ready for Ravens Request to SUHSD Superintendent and School Board Trustees December 2018

The Ready for Ravens (R4R) Club was formed by a group of Sequoia High School (SHS) students in February 2018. The purpose of this club is to change the SHS team name from to Ravens. The reasons for this include: 1. It has been confusing to have a mascot that is different from the team name. We would like the opportunity to experience the fun and traditions having a singular mascot/team name. 2. We want a team name and mascot we can feel proud of. 3. Native groups have clearly called both specifically to SHS and generally to all institutions for non-native schools to stop using native names for mascots and team names as they consider this racist and hurtful. 4. The new SUHSD non-discrimination policy calls for the elimination of discriminatory or racially derogatory team names.

In 2000-2001 there was a similar effort that resulted in the school board passing a resolution to change Sequoia’s physical mascot from a (acknowledging this perpetuated a stereotype) to a Raven but retaining the team name as Cherokees. The thinking was that without the physical representation, the Cherokee name would be seen as a way to honor Chief and his academic and civic accomplishments and that there would be no negative stereotypical association.

Since then, many studies have been done and resolutions and laws have passed that make it the right time to revisit this, and we believe it is now time to change the team name to Ravens.

The R4R Club was formed in February 2018 and is led by three chairs: Leigh Alley (SHS 2019), Andrew Mancini (SHS 2021) and Miles Webb (SHS 2020); and advised by Ms. Melissa Schmidt (SHS Math Teacher, Athletic Director and Varsity Girls Soccer Coach) with support from parents Susan Alley (SHS Sports & Spirit Boosters President) and Jennifer Webb (SHS Education Foundation President). For the rest of last school year, weekly meetings were held with 15-12 additional students, and our activities were focused on researching and raising awareness of the issue as well as gathering signatures and letters of support from SHS students (600+ signatures), staff (letters from 5 departments) and teams (including a vote of support by the SHS football team).

It is worth noting, that we discovered in our signature gathering that for many of the students who want to retain the Cherokee name, it was because they liked the idea of an athletic, fierce warrior as the school’s sports team name. I.e.- even without a physical Cherokee mascot, students still associate the name with the stereotypical native.

Another group of students in favor of keeping the Cherokees name is mainly because they prefer it to the team name of Ravens.

We also learned that many athletes are no longer proud to be called Cherokees, especially because of the controversies with the Washington and Cleveland professional sports native team names and mascots. In our generation, it’s just not cool to have a native mascot or team name anymore the way it was a generation ago.

We then approached Mr. Priest to help us with next steps in making the change happen, and the first thing he wanted us to do is meet with the SHS Alumni Association, many members of whom feel very strongly about keeping the Cherokee name. On June 6, 2018, the R4R leaders and advisors met with Mr. Priest and three active, long-time members of the Alumni Association to have a dialogue about the change. We learned all about the history of the name and mascot and the work done in 2000-2001 that resulted in changing the mascot to Ravens but retain the team name as Cherokees. The Alumni Association learned from us why we feel it is important to change the team name now, and we provided them with copies of the letter and resolutions that support our point of view. All parties expressed that they felt respected and heard.

1 Ready for Ravens Request to SUHSD Superintendent and School Board Trustees December 2018

Later in June, we became aware that as a result of the passage of The Racial Mascot Act (Assembly Bill (AB)30), the California Education Code and related school board policies are required to be updated. Once Sequoia Union High School District adopts this policy, we believe there is sufficient documentation to prove that the use of the Cherokee team name is not in compliance with the policy.

AB 30 was created with the intention of ensuring all students in public schools have equal rights and opportunities, on the basis that racially derogatory or discriminatory athletic team names, mascots, and nicknames contradict this idea.

The bill was signed into law in October 2015, and amendments were made to the California Education Code (EDC). EDC 221.2 states that, “The use of racially derogatory or discriminatory school or athletic team names, mascots, or nicknames in California public schools in antithetical to the California school mission of providing an equal education to all… Many individuals and organizations interested and experienced in human relations, including the United States Commission on Civil Rights, have concluded that the use of Native American images and names in school sports is a barrier to equality and understanding, and that all residents of the United States would benefit from the discontinuation of their use.”

The California School Board Association’s (CSBA) recommended revision to the Non-Discrimination Policy, Board Policy (BP) 0410 includes: “The district’s athletic program shall be free from discrimination and discriminatory practices prohibited by state and federal law, including, but not limited to the use of any racially derogatory or discriminatory school or athletic team name, mascot or nickname.” Note: The Redwood City School District adopted this policy in June 2018, and the San Carlos School District adopted this policy in December 2017.

The following resources (attached at the end of this summary) support our belief that the use of Cherokees as our school’s team name is discriminatory and racially derogatory, in direct contradiction to AB 30, EDC 221.2 , and BP 0401. 1. In December 2000, , the Principal Chief of the wrote a letter to Mr. John Ummel, addressing the history and use of Cherokees as a team name by Sequoia High School, Redwood City, CA specifically. In it, Smith writes, “… these traditions are a negative and stereotypical portrayal of American Indian people … the Cherokee people do not perceive conceptual symbolism or symbolic behavior … as respectful of our culture. When a tradition is harmful to a people, is it a tradition worth keeping?” 2. E-mail sent from Mr. John Ummel to Sequoia principal, Ms. Morgan Marchbanks, stating that the letter from the Cherokee Chief arrived “after the fact” and that “It made me think differently about this whole issue.” The board resolution was passed in January, 2001; yet the letter is dated 18 December, 2000. Had the letter been received and considered prior to the board decision, we believe the outcome may have been different. 3. In July 2001—just seven months after Chief Smith’s letter to Mr. Ummel was written—the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes (a council of five Native American tribes, including the Cherokees and the very same Chief Smith) passed a resolution calling for the elimination of Native American team names by non-native schools: “Whereas, to continue the negative use of American Indian’s tribal names and images in offensive and disgusting practice … Be it resolved, that the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes joins the United States Commission on Civil Rights call to eliminate the stereotypical use of American Indian names and images as mascots in sports and other events.” 4. The National Indian Education Association published the “Elimination of Race-Based Indian Logos, Mascots and Names” resolution in 2005. It states, “Whereas, educational institutions choosing to use race-based Indian logos, mascots, and team names harm children, exposing graduation class after graduating class to these stereotypes, and indoctrinating them with the idea that it is acceptable to

2 Ready for Ravens Request to SUHSD Superintendent and School Board Trustees December 2018

stereotype an entire race of people … Whereas, educational institutions should not be the vehicles of institutional racism.” 5. A 2014 report written by the American University Washington College of Law, entitled, “Missing the Point: The Real Impact of Native Mascots and Team Names on American Indian and Alaska Native Youth,” reveals the harmful impact of derogatory team names. Citing American Psychological Association research, the report details how the use of Native American team names create “unwelcome and oftentimes hostile learning environments for American Indian students that [affirm] negative images/stereotypes that are promoted in mainstream society.” In turn, these hostile environments decrease Native American children’s academic achievement and ability to succeed. Additionally, stereotypical team names do not allow for Native American groups to portray themselves accurately, leading to discriminatory treatment of Native Americans, and reminding Native children of the limited and false ways others view them. (link provided in Resources section) 6. Several other articles and resolutions passed by public school boards in support of changing race-based native mascots and team names.

Research has made it clear that Native Americans, particularly children, suffer enormously from the use and presence of team names like the Cherokees. From these sources, we must consider the opinions first and foremost of the people impacted by the Cherokees team name—solely, the Cherokee tribe members themselves. Even though the Cherokee mascot and team name was originally intended to honor the Cherokee tribe, and honor is argued to be the only reason for continuing the use of the team name today, if the Cherokees do not see the use of their tribe’s name as an honor—which they have explicitly told us they do not—we must respect their request and stop using Cherokees as our team name.

On December 4, 2018, we screened a 5-minute informational video (https://youtu.be/vFpApLnVTFw) to all Sequoia students and staff. The purpose of the video was to explain the history of the Cherokee mascot and team name, the reasons why native, educational, athletic, social justice and psychological organizations (and our group) have called for non-native groups to discontinue the use of native team names.

After viewing the video, they were asked to complete a survey (https://tinyurl.com/ReadyForRavens).

As of Thursday, December 6, 2018, the initial survey results are summarized below. # of Sequoia Student Responses: 1150 # of Sequoia Staff Member Responses: 59

1. After watching the Ready 4 Ravens video, I have a better understanding of the history of Sequoia’s mascot and team name.

Student Response: Staff Response:

Disagree Disagree Neither Agree or 1% (9) Strongly Disagree 2% (1) 2% (21) Disagree Neither Agree 10% (6) or Disagree Strongly 12% (135) Agree Agree 20% (12) 35% (404)

Strongly Agree Agree 50% (581) 68% (40)

3 Ready for Ravens Request to SUHSD Superintendent and School Board Trustees December 2018

2. After watching the Ready 4 Ravens video, I have a better understanding of why native groups, including the Cherokee Nation, are calling for non-native groups to stop using native names and mascots.

Student Response: Staff Response:

Neither Agree Agree Agree or Strongly 14% (8) 44% (504) Disagree Agree 14% (161) 76% (45) Neither Agree or Disagree Disagree 3% (35) 8% (5) Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree 2% (1) 36% (418) 3% (32)

3. Sequoia should retire the Cherokee team name.

Student Response: Staff Response:

Neither Agree Agree 12% (7) 26% (293) Agree or Disagree Strongly 25% (287) Agree Neither 83% (49) Agree or Disagree Disagree 3% (2) 7% (82) Disagree Strongly 2% (1) Agree Strongly 31% (365) Disagree 11% (132)

We expect to get more survey responses, which will include students, staff, alumni, parents and community members prior to the December 12 board meeting and will report updated results and analysis then. We also received more than 200 students and staff comments so far and will include those in our summary next week.

4 Ready for Ravens Request to SUHSD Superintendent and School Board Trustees December 2018

In light of the above, we respectfully make the following requests: 1. The Sequoia Union High School District Board of Trustees immediately adopt the updated BP 0410 policy. 2. The Sequoia Union High School District Board of Trustees adopt a new resolution to replace the one adopted in 2001 to eliminate the use of the Cherokees as the Sequoia High School’s team name in compliance with BP 0410. 3. While it is logical that the team name should be changed to the Ravens, we recommend that you authorize the Sequoia students and staff to make that decision for themselves.

Sincerely,

Leigh Alley, SHS ‘19 Makenna Burnham, SHS ‘19 [email protected] [email protected]

Andrew Mancini, SHS ‘21 Sarah Tragoutsis, SHS ’19 Miles Webb, SHS ‘20 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Melissa Schmidt, SHS Teacher, Athletic Director, Coach and R4R Advisor [email protected]

Susan Alley, Parent Advisor Jennifer Webb, Parent Advisor [email protected] [email protected]

Attached Resources: 1. Letter to Mr. John Ummel from Chief Chad Smith, Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation, 18 December, 2000. (2 pages)

2. E-mail from Mr. John Ummel to Sequoia HS Principal, Ms. Morgan Marchbanks, 23 January, 2001. (1 page)

3. Five Civilized Tribes Intertribal Council Mascot Resolution, Number 2001-08, July 13, 2001. (2 pages) http:/aistm.org/2001.civilized.tribes.htm

4. National Indian Education Association Resolution 09-05, “Elimination of Race-Based Indian Logos, Mascots, and Names,” October 25, 2009. (2 pages) http://www.indianmascots.com/new-niea-resolution-adopted.pdf 5. 6. Timeline with various websites and articles related to mascot/name changes, particularly in public school districts. (3 pages)

Additional Resource:

7. Stegman, Erik and Phillips, Victoria F., “Missing the Point: The Real Impact of Native Mascots and Team Names on American Indian and Alaska Native Youth.” Center for American Progress, July 2014. (33 pages) https://digitalcommons.wcl.american.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1003&context=fasch_rpt

5

The INTER-TRIBAL COUNCIL of the FIVE CIVILIZED TRIBES

NUMBER 2001-08 THE FIVE CIVILIZED TRIBES INTERTRIBAL COUNCIL MASCOT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes is an organization which unites the tribal governments of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminole Nations, representing over 400,000 Indian people throughout the United States, and

WHEREAS, The Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes Education Committee is dedicated to promoting quality education for American Indian students that includes cultural awareness and a sense of diversity among America’s students population; and

WHEREAS, The Five Civilized Tribes believe the use of derogatory American Indian images such as mascots by public schools perpetuate a stereotypical image of American Indians that is likely to have a negative impact on the self-esteem of American Indian children; and

WHEREAS, Negative images and stereotypes about American Indians as mascots contributes to a hostile learning environment that affirms the negative images and stereotypes that persist in American about American Indians; and

WHEREAS, American Indians as mascots is a negative means of appropriating and denigrating our cultural identity that involves the display and depiction of ceremonial symbols and practices that may have religious significance to American Indians; and

WHEREAS, To continue the negative use of American Indian’s tribal names and images is an offensive and disgusting practice that would be considered intolerable were other ethnic groups or minorities depicted in a similar manner; and

WHEREAS, On April 13, 2001, the United States Commission on Civil Rights issued a Statement on the Use of Native American Images and Nicknames as Sports Symbols that called for an end to the use of American Indian images and team names by non-Indian schools; that stereotyping of any racial, ethnic, religious or other groups when promoted by public education institutions, teach all students that stereotyping of minority groups is acceptable, a dangerous lesion in a diverse society; that schools have a responsibility to educate their students; they should not use their influence to perpetuate misrepresentations of any culture or people; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes joins the United States Commission on Civil Rights call to eliminate the stereotypical use of American Indian names and images as mascots in sports and other events and to provide meaningful education about real American Indian people, current American Indian issues, and the rich variety of American Indian cultures in the U.S.

Adopted by the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes of meeting at Durant, Oklahoma on July 13, 2001, by a vote of 24 for, 0 against, and 0 abstentions.

Chadwick Smith Signed Greg E. Pyle Signed Chadwick Smith, Principal Chief Gregory E. Pyle, Chief Cherokee Nation Choctaw Nation

Perry Beaver Signed Jerry Haney Signed Perry Beaver, Principal Chief Jerry Haney, Principal Chief Muscogee (Creek) Nation Seminole Nation

Bill Anoatubby Signed Bill Anoatubby, Governor Chickasaw Nation

NIEA RESOLUTION 09-05

TITLE: ELIMINATION OF RACE-BASED INDIAN LOGOS, MASCOTS, AND NAMES

WHEREAS, the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) was established in 1970 for the purpose of advocating, planning, and promoting the unique and special educational needs of American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians; and

WHEREAS, NIEA as the largest national Indian organization of American Indian, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiian educators, administrators, parents and students in the United States, provides a forum to discuss and act upon issues affecting the education of Indian and Native people; and

WHEREAS, through its’ unique relationship with Indian nations and tribes, the federal government has established programs and resources to meet the educational needs of American Indians, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiians, residing on and off their reserved or non-reserved homelands; and

WHEREAS, self-representational use of American Indian logos, mascots and names remain a cherished tradition in many American Indian communities; and

WHEREAS, NIEA has advocated on this issue has resulted in the elimination of Indian logos, mascots, and names in educational setting by providing workshops, presentation of professional papers, adopting resolutions, providing legal briefs, and forums organizing networks on Indian educators as advocates; and

WHEREAS, years of advocacy on this issue has resulted in the elimination of Indian logo, mascot, and name symbolism from hundreds of educational facilities across the nation; and

WHEREAS, educational institutions choosing to use race-based Indian logos, mascots, and names harm children, exposing graduating class after graduating class to these stereotypes, and indoctrinating them with the idea that it is unacceptable to stereotypes an entire race of people; and

WHEREAS, institutions choosing to retain such imagery negatively impacts students, faculty, and parents from others schools by exposing them to race-based imagery in interscholastic competitions; and

WHEREAS, the limited and sparse representations of American Indians in media and popular culture comprise a significant portion of what children learn about American Indian people and thereby impact the identity formation of Native students while reinforcing stereotypes about American Indian cultures, past and present; and WHEREAS, there is a growing base of support calling for the elimination of Indian logos, mascots and names as evidenced by endorsement from professional organizations, for example the American Psychological Association; education al advocacy organizations, such as the National Education Association; human rights organizations, like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; and sports regulatory agencies, i.e. National Collegiate Athletic Association; and

WHEREAS, research conducted by Stephanie A. Fryberg finds; • Exposure to race-based Indian stereotypes harms American Indian students, • Attractive stereotypes cause as much harm as cartoon caricatures, • American Indian students who approve the use of Indian logos, mascots and names experience more harm than do American Indian students who oppose the use of such imagery. • Euro-Americans experience a boost of self-esteem when exposed to the same-raced based Indian stereotypes; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Fryberg’s research has been expanded upon and replicated in the social psychological arena and the research base has grown in other academic fields; and

WHEREAS, educational institutions should not be the vehicles of institutionalized racism.

Now therefore be it resolved that the National Indian Education Association calls for the immediate elimination of race-based Indian logos, mascots, and names from educational institutions throughout the Nation;

Be it further resolved that the National Indian Education Association calls for the immediate elimination of race-based Indian logos, mascots, and names from educational institutions in the elimination of these stereotypes.

Patricia L. Whitefoot (2009-2010) President National Indian Education Association Change the Name Timeline/References https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Redwood-City-School-Retires-Indian-Mascot- 2948270.php (February 2001) http://www.fivecivilizedtribes.org/Search-Results?search=mascot (July 13, 2001) “NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes (Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminole Nations, representing over 400,000 Indian people throughout the United States) joins the United States Commission on Civil Rights call to eliminate the stereotypical use of American Indian names and images as mascots in sports and other events…” http://www.aistm.org/naacp_1999_resolution.htm “Whereas, the use of Native American people, images, symbols, and cultural and religious traditions as sports names, logos and mascots perpetuates racist stereotypes and undermines the self-determination and dignity of Indian people; “ http://www.changethemascot.org/history-of-progress/ 2001 Following its President’s recommendation, along with support from coaches and student government leaders, Southwestern College in Chula Vista, California, elects to change its “Apaches” mascot to “Jaguars.”

Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby, Illinois, retires its “Apaches” nickname

The Minnesota Indian Education Association adopts a resolution in opposition to the University of North Dakota’s use of the “Fighting Sioux” name and logo.

The Seminole, Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Muskogee Nations, representing over 400,000 people throughout the United States, passed a resolution “to eliminate the stereotypical use of American Indian names and images as mascots in sports and other events and to provide meaningful education about real American Indian people, current American Indian issues, and, the rich variety of American Indian cultures in the U.S.”

The Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs approves “a Resolution in Support of The Elimination of the Use of American Indian Descriptions of Mascots, Logos and Sports Team Nicknames for Maryland Public Schools and Institutions of Higher Education.”

2002 The Iowa Civil Rights Commission passed a Resolution Opposing the Use of Native American Images, Mascots, and Team Names in Iowa

North Carolina State Advisory Council on Indian Education passed a resolution “in Support of Eliminating American Indian Descriptions Naming Mascots, Logos, and Sport Team Nicknames for North Carolina Public Schools.”

2003 The Michigan State Board of Education passes a resolution that “supports and strongly recommends the elimination of American Indian mascots, nicknames, logos, fight songs, insignias, antics, and team descriptors by all Michigan schools.”

Change the Name Timeline/References

http://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/fd693c_4e4d2eb760a34509b18bd53cbc947157.pdf “WHEREAS, NIEA’s advocacy on this issue has resulted in the elimination of Native logos, mascots, and names in hundreds of educational settings across the nation..” (11/2/13) http://neatoday.org/2014/06/30/nea-activists-vow-to-continue-fight-for-social-justice/ Stereotypical mascots and team names aren’t just hurtful, they’re actually damaging to Native American students, like the ones that Hartman-Bradley teaches in the Omaha public schools “When you use Native names or tribes, or terms like warriors, chiefs, or redskins, it lowers our self esteem,” she said. “It is not okay. It’s racist.” (June 30, 2014) http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/news/offensive-sports-teams-named-after- native-american-tribes-or-slurs/3uqe7hmp1jle1rrjhlcqrshrm (October 8, 2014)

“It WOULD be offensive, say, if the University of Washington changed the name of one of it's sports teams to be "The fighting Suquamish!" or "the Suquamishes!" etc... because:

— It implies the school, and the team, has affiliation with the tribe, which would be false” http://blogs.mercurynews.com/hssports/2015/08/17/jefferson-formerly-the-indians-now- the-grizzlies/ (August, 2015) “The negative publicity surrounding the Washington Redskins in recent years contributed to the change. “The last few years it kind of slipped under the rug, it felt like we didn’t have a mascot at all,” Jefferson athletic director John Falabella said.” http://www.gazettenet.com/Columnist-Amalia-Fourhawks-explains-why-statewide-bill-needed- to-ban-Native-American-mascots-10734575

“It is a shame that communities cannot take it upon themselves to understand that these race-based mascots are outdated, offensive and harmful to children. They have closed their ears to the words of native people and allies who have tried to reason with them. They insist that native people should feel “honored,” when so many native people have told them that they are not.” (June 15, 2017) http://aistm.org/fr.groups.htm (list of groups with resolutions to discontinue use of Native American mascots, logos and names)

Change the Name Timeline/References http://yworlds.com/content/uploads/2013/07/WhyEducatorsCantIgnoreMascots-Pewewardy.pdf

“…using images of American Indians as mascots, symbols, caricatures, and namesakes for non- Indian sports teams, businesses and other organizations is damaging to the self-identity, self- concept, and self-esteem of our people.”

https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/02/looking-beyond-chief- wahoo/552386/

And a loud and passionate segment of the Native population sees racism in the very act of naming teams after indigenous groups. To Suzan Harjo—an activist of Cheyenne and Muscogee ancestry who has been protesting Native team names and logos for decades—such references are inherently demeaning and objectifying. “And when you objectify, you dehumanize. And when you dehumanize, you target,” Harjo said. In her view, the perception of Natives as “things” leads to discrimination and violence. “When you treat living human beings as if they are objects, that is wrong, and that is not honoring the living people,” she said.

http://www.nativecircle.com/mascots.html

“I don't care what it is you think you want to 'honor' someone with, if they tell you it is not an honor, well then guess what? It's not an honor! “

https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/race/reports/2014/07/22/94214/missing-the-point/ (July 22, 2014)

“Racist team names and mascots provide a misrepresentation of AI/AN people that masks the very real and continuing hardships that these communities endure today. For example, AI/AN communities struggle with poverty at nearly double the national rate, have some of the lowest high school graduation rates in the country, and suffer from extreme health disparities. Perhaps most disturbing, suicide is the second leading cause of death for AI/AN youth ages 15 to 24—a rate that is 2.5 times higher than the national average.”