Penn Hills school district considering mascot change

The Penn Hills school district is considering changing their mascot, the Indian, but school board members say that’s a decision only the community can make.

“If this doesn’t change, it’s going to show me what type of community I have been living in, a racist one,” said Amanda Royal, a Penn Hills alumna and resident of the area.

Royal is a former cheerleader who spoke out during Wednesday night’s town hall. She thinks the Indian mascot is offensive and must go.

“It should be common sense,” Royal said. “People are not mascots, someone’s heritage is not to be a mascot.”

Royal is of Native American descent and said she was too shaken up by some of the Facebook comments already circulating. She wanted to share her view with 11 News by phone.

“When I look back at the cheers that I participated in, like I said last night, I’m kind of ashamed of it,” she said.

While Royal feels shame, some others disagree and think the Indian is a part of Penn Hills pride.

“I don’t see a reason for the change,” said Penn Hills resident MaryRose McHenry. “There is too much change everywhere and we are erasing history.”

School board president Erin Vecchio says regardless of what decision is made, community involvement will be needed to move forward, something she says they haven’t gotten.

“We told everybody to send emails for or against,” Vecchio said. “There are not even 60 emails.”

In a district with more than 40,000 people, Vecchio said she heard from very few, even though residents would likely foot the bill if a mascot change occurs.

“The estimated amount is $100,000,″ she said. “And right now, Penn, that is not my top priority because Penn Hills is so far in debt.”

Penn Hills superintendent Dr. Nancy Hines reflected on the students who showed up to speak at the town hall, saying:

“They want to be free to ‘evolve’ and to define themselves in a way that feels more respectful.”

The school board proposed residents in the district should decide through a referendum vote, but that may also be a challenge with so many varying views.

“Everything these days can be offensive to somebody,” said Marsha, who lives in Penn Hills.

“My opinion is yes, it should be changed, it’s 2022,” said Penn Hills resident Petrie Holmes.

No decision has been made on if the school board will take the matter to a vote, and the next steps on the matter are yet to be determined.

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