Neshaminy High School
The dispute at Neshaminy High School regarding the school newspaper brings up a number of interesting questions. First and foremost, should public schools be at the forefront of doing what is right when it comes to issues such as race, gender, sexual identity, or religion? If yes, then how should schools go about balancing the needs of students with those of the public at large? Also, if public schools' primary objective is to develop engaged, well-informed citizens, then how does a high school ensure that students feel secure and confident in expressing their views without punitive action being taken against them?
Clearly, the principal of Neshaminy and the students of the school newspaper have some challenges ahead. The law appears to be unequivocally in the students' favor. In addition, the decision by Slate, Mother Jones and the Philadelphia Daily News to adopt a similar position lends credibility to the students' decision. On the other hand, the Washington Redskins owner, Dan Snyder, has a very clear position. According to USA Today, he stated: "We'll never change the name. It's that simple. NEVER-- You can use caps."
I have been teaching at a school district with four high schools, and three of them have had Native American mascots going back to the 1950s. When a new high school was built a dozen years ago, it was an opportunity to show students and community members that the school board is sensitive to the use of Native American symbols. Although we have the Indians, the Renegades, and the Chiefs, our newest high school is known as the Golden Eagles, a clear departure. Yes, similar discussions regarding the use of these symbols have taken place over the years, but the difference is that the administration has never tried to silence students. Rather, they looked at it as a teachable moment, an opportunity to show students and citizens that meaningful dialogue is the best way to understand complex issues.
I commend the students of The Playwickian for taking a stand against the use of the word. It shows tremendous confidence on their part considering the power structure of schools, and it shows incredible moral courage, something so rarely seen today by not just students, but many adults as well. No doubt the issue will resolve itself, and in time it will disappear from the front page, and another issue will take its place. To give you an idea how things have changed, I remember a time when any discussion of gay rights in a school newspaper provoked similar angst. This past spring, when NBA player Jason Collins came out, my students asked, somewhat incredulously, "What's the big deal? So what if he's gay?" Perhaps the same will happen with Native American mascots, once the adults realize--yes, I'm talking to you Daniel Snyder--that defending an offensive name is unconscionable. It doesn't matter if the name was originally intended as a symbol for courage and bravery; things change, and it's the responsibility of reasonable-thinking adults to do the right thing.
Clearly, the principal of Neshaminy and the students of the school newspaper have some challenges ahead. The law appears to be unequivocally in the students' favor. In addition, the decision by Slate, Mother Jones and the Philadelphia Daily News to adopt a similar position lends credibility to the students' decision. On the other hand, the Washington Redskins owner, Dan Snyder, has a very clear position. According to USA Today, he stated: "We'll never change the name. It's that simple. NEVER-- You can use caps."
I have been teaching at a school district with four high schools, and three of them have had Native American mascots going back to the 1950s. When a new high school was built a dozen years ago, it was an opportunity to show students and community members that the school board is sensitive to the use of Native American symbols. Although we have the Indians, the Renegades, and the Chiefs, our newest high school is known as the Golden Eagles, a clear departure. Yes, similar discussions regarding the use of these symbols have taken place over the years, but the difference is that the administration has never tried to silence students. Rather, they looked at it as a teachable moment, an opportunity to show students and citizens that meaningful dialogue is the best way to understand complex issues.
I commend the students of The Playwickian for taking a stand against the use of the word. It shows tremendous confidence on their part considering the power structure of schools, and it shows incredible moral courage, something so rarely seen today by not just students, but many adults as well. No doubt the issue will resolve itself, and in time it will disappear from the front page, and another issue will take its place. To give you an idea how things have changed, I remember a time when any discussion of gay rights in a school newspaper provoked similar angst. This past spring, when NBA player Jason Collins came out, my students asked, somewhat incredulously, "What's the big deal? So what if he's gay?" Perhaps the same will happen with Native American mascots, once the adults realize--yes, I'm talking to you Daniel Snyder--that defending an offensive name is unconscionable. It doesn't matter if the name was originally intended as a symbol for courage and bravery; things change, and it's the responsibility of reasonable-thinking adults to do the right thing.
posted by olgapolites at 5:20 AM
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