Glens Falls Mascot: “When We Know Better, We Do Better”

The NYSED has ordered all school districts in the state to remove the “Indian” mascot and associated icons – arrowhead included – from the public school system by the end of the school year. The penalty for not complying with the order includes removal of school officers, and the withholding of state aid. 

The Glens Falls Indian was chosen for the athletic teams in 1941, and the Indian was the theme of the 1943 yearbook… Since this time, additional icons have been added and the Indian symbol became expressive of all the activities in the school. In 1970, there was a dedication to the artist “Tom Two-Arrows – Iroquois, Onondaga Nation”, who sketched the classic Iroquois Chieftain’s head; also in 1970, the arrowhead icon was added. The most recently used arrowhead icons have the GF initials inside of the arrowhead. 

The Onondaga Nation Council of Chiefs have long held that the mascots are offensive, and this position is supported by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe: “We adamantly object to the ongoing practice of using Native images, names, likenesses – including in the form of caricatures and logos – and view their continued usage as offensive and a form of institutional racism; particularly by educational institutions and systems that should strive to be supportive environments for inclusiveness and diversity”  The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe said in a statement.  

The National Congress of American Indians responded to an inquiry regarding the harm that the mascot is causing: “ ‘Native American sports mascots, logos, or symbols perpetuate stereotypes of American Indians that are very harmful. The ‘warrior savage’ myth has plagued this country’s relationship with the Indian people, as it reinforces the racist view that Indians are uncivilized and uneducated, and it has been used to justify policies that forced assimilation and destruction” The National Congress of American Indians stated in response.   

Glens Falls intends to create a framework of compliance with the NYSED; their goals include to keep the community connected, to get input from students, staff, families, the school community and alumni, and to have the student cabinet lead the process and make the final recommendation to the Board of Education.

It is anticipated that the proposed amendment will be presented for permanent adoption at the April 2023 Regents meeting. If that happens, then the proposed amendment will become effective as a permanent rule on May 3, 2023.