The Hart High Indian has been the mascot for the school since January of 1946, when the school’s very first class voted in favor of it in a poll that saw the “Buckaroos” come in second.
Controversy over the mascot then arose in the 1990’s, when then-principal Laury Strauss worked to “sensitise” the mascot on campus. This involved the removal of any Native American caricatures in the school’s publications and extracurriculars, as well as stating that the administration would not condone stereotypical chants or actions from students.
“It is the prevailing view that our mascot, the Indian, is a symbol of bravery, adventure, courage, and strength, contrary to the view of demeaning people,” Strauss wrote in a letter to the Central Coast Association of American Indians in 1995.
While d’Autremont wanted to assure Estrada that he, along with officials from the school, were listening, he also expressed that the school’s primary focus was on getting students back into the classroom.
“My team and I are currently consumed with working out how to do this in light of the ever-changing restrictions associated with the COVID shutdowns,” he wrote. “This is not an excuse, but rather a transparent admission that we are working as hard as we can to get this piece in place first.”
The meeting is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 8, and is intended to help the district’s governing board “learn about the history of the Hart High School mascot and to understand the issues that are being raised.”
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A new billboard is calling out the Tempe Union High School District for remaining closed amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Shutterstock)
TEMPE, AZ A billboard is calling out a Tempe school district for failing its students.
The digital billboard was spotted near the I-10 and Elliot Road. Its message lashed out at Tempe Union High School District for remaining closed for in-person learning as Arizona experiences the highest coronavirus infection rate in the U.S.
It s getting personal. Billboard spotted along I-10 & Elliot, ahead of @TUHSD News meeting tonight where #COVID19 metrics and reopening schools is on the agenda. Tempe Union one of several still in virtual learning, following state s guidance. pic.twitter.com/PBsDws5O8v