Although I am not a member of the Kelseyville community, my interest in the problems confronting Kelseyville High School regarding the mascot name change gives me pause for why this dramatic and demoralizing action is necessary against the children of the district.
The reasons given for this change are not clear to me, however there has been mention that our Native American community is being offended by the name “Indian” being part of the school”s object to bring them good luck. It is unusual for a board to make a move as important to the moral cohesion of the community without decent, good reasons. These reasons are yet to be heard.
The consequences of this reaction of the board are immeasurable in human terms. Eighty-five years of success, win and loss records forgotten seem to be an awful price to pay for reasons so petty and stupid. As for the name “Indian” for a mascot, it”s not in any way improper because this term is used around the world by many cultures, India and those indigenous to other parts of the world.
As for the board”s action, perhaps a proclamation from the school to the Native American community ? stating that the symbol used as a mascot will be preserved and revered by the school without compromise forever ? would be more reasonable.
Carl Laslovich
Finley
