Washington County High School To Remove Native American Emblem

COTTAGE GROVE, MN — More than 20 years ago, Park High School changed its mascot from the "Park Indians" to the "Park Wolfpack" after the Minnesota State Board of Education passed a resolution stating that "the use of mascots, emblems, or symbols depicting American Indian culture or race is unacceptable."

The school took down nearly all Native American symbols, but a depiction of the old mascot located on the floor of the school was saved and remains there to this day. But thanks to current students who voiced concerns on the "cultural insensitivity" of the emblem, its days there are now numbered.

After it was brought to their attention, the school district spent a month studying the issue, and has since decided the logo has to go.

"Knowing the research, knowing the negative impact this symbol has on some of our students at Park High School and knowing the decision to remove this mascot was already made more than 20 years ago, the emblem should never have remained," Washington County Schools said in a statement.

Officials said the belief there was an agreement for the emblem to stay after the mascot transition is "inaccurate."

"Therefore, the decision has been made to remove the emblem from the floor at Park High School to support our current and future students, in alignment with our district’s mission."

While the decision has been made to remove the emblem, a formal timeline has not been established.

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