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Gradebook podcast: Indians, Chiefs and Warriors no more — Hillsborough schools to drop Native American mascots

The change comes with an education initiative to teach students more about American Indian heritage and culture.
The Hillsborough County school district will remove Native American mascots at elementary and middle schools, and scale back the traditions and references at high schools such as East Bay High, whose mascot is the Indians. [Times | 2013]
The Hillsborough County school district will remove Native American mascots at elementary and middle schools, and scale back the traditions and references at high schools such as East Bay High, whose mascot is the Indians. [Times | 2013]
Published May 16, 2019

After 18 months of review and debate, the Hillsborough County school district — the eighth largest system in the nation — has decided to do away with the Indians, Chiefs and Warriors as mascots at elementary and middle schools, while easing away from the names and connected traditions at its high schools.

Some places have welcomed the news, while others have balked at any change.

Parent Shannon Durant, who chaired the committee leading the effort, discusses the reasons behind the district’s approach with reporter Jeff Solochek.

Related: School mascots are changing in Hillsborough to reflect sensitivity to Native Americans