milan news leader
newsSaturday, March 3, 2012
MILAN: Crowd turns out to school board meeting to debate use of Native American imagery in sportsBy Lori Maranville
Special Writer
lorimaranville@att.net.About 30 Milan residents filled the board room of the school district's administration offices Feb. 22 to voice their opinions on the issue of using Native American symbols and imagery in the district. The Milan Board of Education scheduled the discussion on the topic after it was brought up by resident James Farrar during a Feb. 8 meeting. Farrar, who has American Indian heritage, wants the board to set a policy to get rid of Native American symbols displayed at school and used in its slogans and imagery. He said he sees the use of the imagery as a stereotype of a race of people and not a sign of respect or reverence. He spoke briefly during public comments section at the end of the Feb. 22 meeting, noting how difficult it is to change opinions when you are a minority voice. John Austin, the state of Michigan school board president, supported Farrar's position during the Feb. 8 meeting, telling the board that the state school board has a resolution that urges the phasing out of Native American mascots and symbols. The state school board's resolution "strongly recommends the elimination of American Indian mascots, nicknames, logos, fight songs, insignias, antics, and descriptors by all Michigan schools." Copies of the state resolution were available for community members at the Feb. 22 meeting. Milan Schools Superintendent Bryan Girbach said the fact that the school district has no clear policy either supporting or banning the use of the imagery, and has no official symbol or mascot, has caused problems and confusion among community members. Historically, Milan has used symbols that depict Native American symbols for its logos and slogans, but in recent years has phased out their use. The spear and feather are still in use on football helmets and other sportswear, and the image of a Native American is still displayed on the gymnasium floor of the middle school. A proposed logo for athletic banners to be hung in the high school gymnasium also bears the spear and feather image. Many came to the meeting Feb. 22 in support of keeping the symbols, or at least finding a symbol to unify the district. At least one resident and one email communication urged the school district to stop using the symbols. Others, including many board members, were clearly conflicted on what the appropriate course of action should be. The board made no determination on the use of the symbols at the meeting, instead instructing Girbach to talk to the school district's legal counsel for advice on whether a resolution or district policy on school symbols would be more appropriate. Girbach said in a follow-up interview that legal counsel recommended the school district make a decision through a resolution. The resolution could be proposed by a board member or developed at a public meeting. During the Feb. 22 meeting, community members and board members disagreed on whether the spear and feather have a clear association with Native Americans and whether that association would be considered offensive or a sign of respect for the culture. Community members also disagreed on whether the "Milan Big Reds" slogan is associated with Native Americans and whether its use is appropriate. Girbach noted that he had talked to many coaches who came down on both sides of the issue. He urged the board to make a decision so that there was some clear direction. Girbach commented that there are Native Americans in support of the symbols, Native Americans against the symbols and other community members both for and against the symbols. "I don't think there's a districtwide philosophy on this," he said. "You're not going to get the community to come to consensus." During the three-hour meeting, the board set aside its customary rule of limiting the number of community members who speak to allow those attending ample opportunity to express their views. Many who attended the meeting commented they thought the issue had been settled many years ago, as they have watched many of the symbols disappear from school buildings and sports uniforms. Girbach recounted that the school board did form a committee 10 years ago to address the issue. At the time, the committee recommended that the "Milan Big Reds" slogan be kept because it was associated with the red uniforms the team wore and not with Native Americans. Also at that time, the board did not take action or set any policy against Native American symbols, but the district slowly began phasing out its use informally, as finances allowed. Most who attended the meeting addressed the board with fervent pleas to keep the symbols. Nearly a dozen residents, some with Native American heritage, spoke in passionate support of holding onto the school's symbols as a matter of tradition, honor and pride. Resident Tammy Richards read a statement in which she told the board that by removing the Native American symbols, the district would be dishonoring the foundation of the culture and traditions of Milan. "I am not in favor of doing away with the tradition of Milan or losing the culture of who we are." Another resident brought forward a list of about 200 signatures from residents who signed their names in support of keeping Milan's Native American symbols. He said he had collected most of the signatures at a recent school basketball game. Milan High School senior Alexis Smith read a speech saying she was there to "fight for current and future Big Reds." "It's more than a logo to the people of Milan ... it represents pride, power and strength. If we don't have the spear, what do we have? Students won't know what they are and will have nothing to fight for." Alexis Smith's mother, Lori Smith, also spoke. "Every team has their own different symbol. We need to pick one to identify us all here and move on to what the more important issues are. I think we need to be united together to come up with one," she said. At least one email communication read aloud during the meeting urged against the symbols. Milan High School graduate Josh Duval said in the email he identifies himself as a person of color and thinks critically about race every day. "No Milan student should be inundated by these racial charges and stereotypical images of Native American culture, but I imagine the toll is especially high among Native American students, parents and community members." The entire board seemed to agree that there was no easy solution, but that they needed to get the issue resolved so they could focus on other issues, like student achievement. "The easy thing may or may not be the right thing to do," said Trustee Eric Peacock. "Whether we know of anyone personally, there are groups of Native Americans that find this offensive." Trustee Chuck Bushart said the board is never going to make everyone happy, but they needed to consider they were talking about a race of people being offended. "How many people on each side have to be offended?" Trustee Rita Vershum said she had talked to many people with Native American heritage who said the symbols are used respectfully and therefore are not offensive. "It's not dishonorable or offensive because of the way we use it. We use it in a proud manner," she said. She echoed the sentiments of many community members who said the students need a symbol to identify with and one of which they can be proud. Board President John Leacher said he was conflicted on the issue. "I love this community, but I'm not here because of a Native American symbol. What drew me here was the people." He talked about the importance of realizing that the issue isn't just being discussed in Milan. "There are resolutions all across the country," he said. Bushart said the Milan school district doesn't really have an official symbol and needs one. Trustee Jan Kiger said, "I want to make sure whatever we choose unites us." In a telephone interview later, Leacher said he knows the issue is "emotionally charged" and that it will take the board some time to consider the right course. "This is something that is going to continue until we make a decision and the board has an obligation to decide one way or the other." Although not yet scheduled on an upcoming agenda, the issue will be discussed at a future board meeting. Board meeting dates and agendas are available at www.milanareaschools.org. Lori Maranville is a freelance writer. She can be reached at lorimaranville@att.net.
Special Writer
lorimaranville@att.net.About 30 Milan residents filled the board room of the school district's administration offices Feb. 22 to voice their opinions on the issue of using Native American symbols and imagery in the district. The Milan Board of Education scheduled the discussion on the topic after it was brought up by resident James Farrar during a Feb. 8 meeting. Farrar, who has American Indian heritage, wants the board to set a policy to get rid of Native American symbols displayed at school and used in its slogans and imagery. He said he sees the use of the imagery as a stereotype of a race of people and not a sign of respect or reverence. He spoke briefly during public comments section at the end of the Feb. 22 meeting, noting how difficult it is to change opinions when you are a minority voice. John Austin, the state of Michigan school board president, supported Farrar's position during the Feb. 8 meeting, telling the board that the state school board has a resolution that urges the phasing out of Native American mascots and symbols. The state school board's resolution "strongly recommends the elimination of American Indian mascots, nicknames, logos, fight songs, insignias, antics, and descriptors by all Michigan schools." Copies of the state resolution were available for community members at the Feb. 22 meeting. Milan Schools Superintendent Bryan Girbach said the fact that the school district has no clear policy either supporting or banning the use of the imagery, and has no official symbol or mascot, has caused problems and confusion among community members. Historically, Milan has used symbols that depict Native American symbols for its logos and slogans, but in recent years has phased out their use. The spear and feather are still in use on football helmets and other sportswear, and the image of a Native American is still displayed on the gymnasium floor of the middle school. A proposed logo for athletic banners to be hung in the high school gymnasium also bears the spear and feather image. Many came to the meeting Feb. 22 in support of keeping the symbols, or at least finding a symbol to unify the district. At least one resident and one email communication urged the school district to stop using the symbols. Others, including many board members, were clearly conflicted on what the appropriate course of action should be. The board made no determination on the use of the symbols at the meeting, instead instructing Girbach to talk to the school district's legal counsel for advice on whether a resolution or district policy on school symbols would be more appropriate. Girbach said in a follow-up interview that legal counsel recommended the school district make a decision through a resolution. The resolution could be proposed by a board member or developed at a public meeting. During the Feb. 22 meeting, community members and board members disagreed on whether the spear and feather have a clear association with Native Americans and whether that association would be considered offensive or a sign of respect for the culture. Community members also disagreed on whether the "Milan Big Reds" slogan is associated with Native Americans and whether its use is appropriate. Girbach noted that he had talked to many coaches who came down on both sides of the issue. He urged the board to make a decision so that there was some clear direction. Girbach commented that there are Native Americans in support of the symbols, Native Americans against the symbols and other community members both for and against the symbols. "I don't think there's a districtwide philosophy on this," he said. "You're not going to get the community to come to consensus." During the three-hour meeting, the board set aside its customary rule of limiting the number of community members who speak to allow those attending ample opportunity to express their views. Many who attended the meeting commented they thought the issue had been settled many years ago, as they have watched many of the symbols disappear from school buildings and sports uniforms. Girbach recounted that the school board did form a committee 10 years ago to address the issue. At the time, the committee recommended that the "Milan Big Reds" slogan be kept because it was associated with the red uniforms the team wore and not with Native Americans. Also at that time, the board did not take action or set any policy against Native American symbols, but the district slowly began phasing out its use informally, as finances allowed. Most who attended the meeting addressed the board with fervent pleas to keep the symbols. Nearly a dozen residents, some with Native American heritage, spoke in passionate support of holding onto the school's symbols as a matter of tradition, honor and pride. Resident Tammy Richards read a statement in which she told the board that by removing the Native American symbols, the district would be dishonoring the foundation of the culture and traditions of Milan. "I am not in favor of doing away with the tradition of Milan or losing the culture of who we are." Another resident brought forward a list of about 200 signatures from residents who signed their names in support of keeping Milan's Native American symbols. He said he had collected most of the signatures at a recent school basketball game. Milan High School senior Alexis Smith read a speech saying she was there to "fight for current and future Big Reds." "It's more than a logo to the people of Milan ... it represents pride, power and strength. If we don't have the spear, what do we have? Students won't know what they are and will have nothing to fight for." Alexis Smith's mother, Lori Smith, also spoke. "Every team has their own different symbol. We need to pick one to identify us all here and move on to what the more important issues are. I think we need to be united together to come up with one," she said. At least one email communication read aloud during the meeting urged against the symbols. Milan High School graduate Josh Duval said in the email he identifies himself as a person of color and thinks critically about race every day. "No Milan student should be inundated by these racial charges and stereotypical images of Native American culture, but I imagine the toll is especially high among Native American students, parents and community members." The entire board seemed to agree that there was no easy solution, but that they needed to get the issue resolved so they could focus on other issues, like student achievement. "The easy thing may or may not be the right thing to do," said Trustee Eric Peacock. "Whether we know of anyone personally, there are groups of Native Americans that find this offensive." Trustee Chuck Bushart said the board is never going to make everyone happy, but they needed to consider they were talking about a race of people being offended. "How many people on each side have to be offended?" Trustee Rita Vershum said she had talked to many people with Native American heritage who said the symbols are used respectfully and therefore are not offensive. "It's not dishonorable or offensive because of the way we use it. We use it in a proud manner," she said. She echoed the sentiments of many community members who said the students need a symbol to identify with and one of which they can be proud. Board President John Leacher said he was conflicted on the issue. "I love this community, but I'm not here because of a Native American symbol. What drew me here was the people." He talked about the importance of realizing that the issue isn't just being discussed in Milan. "There are resolutions all across the country," he said. Bushart said the Milan school district doesn't really have an official symbol and needs one. Trustee Jan Kiger said, "I want to make sure whatever we choose unites us." In a telephone interview later, Leacher said he knows the issue is "emotionally charged" and that it will take the board some time to consider the right course. "This is something that is going to continue until we make a decision and the board has an obligation to decide one way or the other." Although not yet scheduled on an upcoming agenda, the issue will be discussed at a future board meeting. Board meeting dates and agendas are available at www.milanareaschools.org. Lori Maranville is a freelance writer. She can be reached at lorimaranville@att.net.