Saugus Advertiser
Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Letter: Change Sachem mascot?

The word “sachem,” another word for leader or “chief,” is not offensive in and of itself. It is, however, disrespectful in the context of sports entertainment. In this context it makes a mockery of Native American people and their culture. Who decided American Indians were synonymous with slam dunks and touchdowns? Who decided that they should feel proud of this “honor” being bestowed upon them?

Organizations like the NAACP, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, and the National Congress of American Indians—to name just three—have all called for an end to this practice. Not just in public schools, but colleges and universities, and in professional sports. These organizations have been calling for these changes for forty years. Saugus is only one of 46 high schools in Massachusetts with race-based sports team mascots, nicknames, and logos.

There are only 27 high schools in the rest of New England using these nicknames. Not something in which our state should take pride.

Our organization is in the process of contacting each of the 46 high schools on our list. We are asking each school district to consider changing their sports team nicknames to something that isn’t race-based.

The University of Illinois has chosen to end the performance of their “Indian” mascot after 81 years. Surely Saugus High School can come up with a new nickname and logo.

It is our hope that by providing education to communities across New England, we can finally bring an end to an outdated practice and encourage school districts to start new traditions that embrace diversity and inspire students to become exemplary citizens and leaders within their community.

Peter Sanfaçon
New England Anti-Mascot Coalition
Framingham