INDIANOLA, Iowa — A Native American activist group is voicing concern after the Indianola School Board decided not to vote on changing their school mascot.
The Great Plains Action Society is a nonprofit based in Iowa that works to amplify the voice of Native Americans on a number of issues. The Indianola mascot debate is just one that they are involved in.
Last week, school officials and community members gathered inside Indianola High School for a school board meeting where the mascot was a topic of conversation. The board decided not to vote on a measure and ended further discussions on changing the mascot name and school logo.
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Jessica Engelking, the representation director for the Great Plains Action Society, said that while she appreciates the school board for allowing a debate to take place, she is disappointed with the outcome because it’s dangerous for Native youth.
She said these mascots and imagery are linked to low self-esteem among Native youth, and that suicide is already a crisis for this demographic.