Biloxi High School drawn into national debate over ‘Indian’ mascot after band marched in DC parade

Petition asks Biloxi to change Indian mascot

The Biloxi School District has been drawn into the national debate over whether it’s acceptable for schools or sports teams to appropriate Native American words or imagery.

One online petition, asking the Biloxi Indians to ditch the mascot, has gotten more than 680 supporters. A counter petition, asking officials to keep the name, has garnered more than 1,900 signatures….

…The issue bubbled up last week, after the Biloxi High School band marched in the National Cherry Blossom Festival parade in Washington D.C. on April 11.

The students wore what are commonly referred to as Native American headdresses, or war bonnets.

That caught the attention of Indian Country Today Media Network, which published an article April 13 emphasizing that having every member of the band wear the war bonnet creates ingrained disrespect among the students.

Sunherald
4/20/15