Native American Mascots Popular in Kansas Schools

Native American mascots are popular among Kansas high schools even as a national debate brews over whether they should be eliminated.

The Manhattan Mercury analyzed a list of all the high school mascots in Kansas.

Fourteen schools have the mascot name “Indians,” making that the fourth most popular in the state. One of those schools is in Manhattan, where the school board is considering changing it. Advocates say the mascot is offensive or insensitive to American Indians.

Manhattan has used an Indian mascot since 1940. A push to change the mascot in 2001 was unsuccessful.

The list obtained from the Kansas State High School Activities Association also shows that three schools use Redskins; two use Redmen. Wamego uses Red Raiders. Two use Chieftains; two use Braves.

Associated Press information from: The Manhattan Mercury