Home of the Brave No More

Sid Thompson, the former superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, determined that three district high schools (and a middle school) must change their mascots because they depict Indians in a demeaning and degrading manner. The Birmingham Braves of Van Nuys, the Gardena High Mohicans and the University Warriors will be no more.

A complaint was lodged successfully by LAUSD’s American Indian Education Commission and others. This decision was made basically without the knowledge of the communities that support these high schools. Meetings were held, but the majority of the general public was not informed. For the most part, affected communities still do not know that a decision has been made to change their mascots.

To lose this part of each school’s history, without a voice, is sad. Even sadder is the fact that the school board is going to pick up the tab for the change. It is estimated that the cost per school could approach $100,000. Is it fair to spend $300,000 of taxpayers’ money to change mascots just to satisfy the political egos of a very small minority? Is it fair to buy paint and uniforms that are not needed instead of buying books which are in short supply?

There is no room in today’s society for prejudice or slander based on heritage or ethnicity. But in our desire to make things right, we as a society are losing sight of reality. Education is the key to understanding. Books are the instruments by which we educate. Nothing will be gained by painting over the “Mighty Birmingham Brave.” For those of us who have a history with that school, we will always be Braves. Not once in my 38 years of being a Brave have I associated my mascot with anything other than the proud history and heritage of the school.

As the new school year approaches and the football season begins, I invite any patriot to be in the stadium while “The Star Spangled Banner” is played before each game. I would like them to feel the pride and respect that wells up from the crowd at the conclusion, as they stand in the “Home of the Brave.”