WEST VIEW, Pa. — A local group is pushing for change in the North Hills School District. They want a new mascot.
Currently, the district goes by the name “Indians.”
A new billboard on Babcock Boulevard, paid for by the group North Hills Progressives, calls for a new name.
“A racist mascot like we currently have is really harmful for all kinds of students,” Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan told Channel 11. She represents the group.
She says her organization erected the billboard in honor of Native American Heritage Month.
Back in 2022, district officials voted to “discontinue the use of Native American imagery while retaining ‘Indians’ as an identifier for our athletic teams.” In a statement to Channel 11, they referred to it as a “compromise.”
“A halfway measure is always hard to make everyone happy,” Pagel-Hogan said.
The image is still visible on some district signage and on the stadium scoreboard.
“Intent versus impact is very important to think about. You may not intend to offend anyone,” she said.
North Hills will play West Allegheny Friday in the WPIAL football playoffs. Both teams are called the “Indians.”
More from the district:
“The use of a mascot in the North Hills School District was discontinued in 2022 following an extensive public review that included a community town hall, an online survey and opportunities for students, families, alumni and community members to share their perspectives. The Board of Education voted 7-2 to discontinue the use of Native American imagery while retaining “Indians” as an identifier for our athletic teams. The decision represented a compromise that acknowledged differing views within our community.
“While we respect the right of individuals and groups to express their opinions, this issue was thoroughly examined and formally addressed by the Board. Any remaining older imagery in the district is being phased out through our normal replacement cycle.”
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