LHS Will Discontinue Use Of 'Indians' For Athletics, Activities

LEMONT, IL — At Monday’s board meeting, the Lemont High School board of education unanimously voted to discontinue the use of "Indians" in reference to athletics and activities, effective at the beginning of the 2021-22 school year.

The LHS Indians logo will also be phased out for athletics and activities, Board President Kurt Korte said in a statement to Patch.

"The Board of Education is unanimous in its support of this resolution," he said.

Public comment at the meeting lasted more than an hour, with dozens of residents stating their opposition to the change. Several residents called out the board of education for a lack of transparency over the name change.

"You don't care what we think," Greg Abbott, a Woodridge resident, said. "The process really offends me."

"I don't know why a school board is involved with the name of a mascot anyway," resident Mike Wilson said.

Several also said that the name is part of Lemont history, and that using the name shows respect to Native American culture.

Lemont High School was established in 1890, according to the resolution. From 1948-1968, athletic teams were referred to as the "Indians," and as the "Injuns" from 1968-2005. From 2006 to 2021, the district returned to using "Indians," the resolution states.

"Organizations including the National Commission on Civil Rights, American Psychological Association and National Congress of American Indians, among others, have called for discontinuing the use of Native American names and symbols as nicknames and/or mascots by non-Native schools," the resolution reads. "The Lemont High School District 210 Board of Education acknowledges that imagery, depictions, phrases and references considered acceptable at one time now may be considered derogatory or offensive toward a person or class of people, which may hinder providing an ideal learning environment for all students."

The resolution also cites the student handbook, which states, “It is essential Lemont High School promotes in students not only a self-image deeply rooted in a sense of personal dignity, but also the development of attitudes grounded in respect for and understanding of other persons, races, religions and cultures."

The board will determine whether the school will adopt a new name, and if so, the process for selection, according to the resolution.

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