Roving Reporter: Mascot Reactions

What are your thoughts about the final decision to retire the Tomahawk? "I thought that it was overdue. I thought that they should have done it earlier, but it was a good decision."

What are your thoughts about the final decision to retire the Tomahawk? "After learning about the symbolism of the Tomahawk and how it relates to the Native Americans in this area, I think it’s really important that we retire it."

Do you feel that the process was carried out in a way that had everyone’s opinions taken note of? "I felt like everyone’s voice was heard and I think the opinions show it should have been changed for good."

Do you have any ideas on what a new mascot could be? "One of my friends told me the Thunder Hawks. That would be a pretty good idea because it could also be shortened to T-Hawks."

What did you think about the process through which the mascot was evaluated and changed (for example, the work of the study group, the focus groups, the school committee vote, etc.)? "I mean I understand where they are coming from, trying to be fair, but it hasn't been an issue for years, so it shouldn't be an issue now."

Prior to the decision being made, what did you think about the Tomahawk mascot? "I hadn’t really thought much about it, but I know most of my family has gone to Algonquin and it’s been a big part of school spirit. I understand why it’s probably offensive."

Do you have any ideas on what a new mascot could be? "I have no idea. However, I think that we need the new mascot to be original and creative; something that we can proudly stand alongside."

Prior to the decision being made, what did you think about the Tomahawk mascot? "I did not know what was going on before people started talking about. I would say to change it because it could be offensive to some Native Americans."

Prior to the decision being made, what did you think about the Tomahawk mascot? "I was surprised that it was allowed for schools to be called that, especially with some of the history in this area. I think if it were to come from the Native American community, it would be okay if we honored it. But, in the way we just named ourselves Algonquin, it didn’t seem like we asked permission."

What did you think about the process through which the mascot was evaluated and changed, for example, the work of the study group, the focus groups, the school committee vote, etc.? "I think it was an effective and thorough process. [The committee] did their research like they should."

Did you participate in a focus group during class on March 8? If so, how did that experience influence your opinion and what did you take away from participating in the focus group? "Yes, I participated in a focus group. I guess what I took away from it was just more about how I didn’t see that people could be offended by it or that it could be seen as a symbol of hate."

What did you think about the process through which the mascot was evaluated and changed, for example, the work of the study group, the focus groups, the school committee vote, etc.? "I thought it was very thoughtful and thorough, since I am new to the Algonquin community and coming in during this point of implementing change, I realize it took a lot to even get people to consider the change. And just...

Prior to the decision being made, what did you think about the Tomahawk mascot? "I didn't really think anything of it because they didn't use it in an offensive way anyways. When classes were having discussions about the mascot, they were saying how it's offensive but I think it's not offensive if it's not used like that."

What are your thoughts about the final decision to retire the Tomahawk? "I support that. I think it's okay, I have been here at Algonquin for twenty two years, and I think change is okay. It does not mean we have to pretend it was never our mascot; it was our mascot. Now we recognize maybe it is not the most appropriate mascot and it is time to make a change, and I think it was time for us to di...