Community Feedback on the Hanover Public Schools Mascot

As you may know, the Hanover School Committee will be considering a possible change to our long standing mascot, the Indian.  This is an issue that has been discussed nationally and locally for several years and presently is garnering a great deal of attention with professional sports teams and several Massachusetts high schools.  The Massachusetts Legislature is also considering a bill that would require high schools to stop using Native American mascots and branding.  The School Committee and HPS Administration have been petitioned about making a change to the mascot, and we have been receiving a great deal of feedback recently - both for and against a change.  The time has come for a thoughtful and respectful discussion about this issue and to make a decision about how we move forward.  

A public hearing of the School Committee will be held (via Zoom webinar) on July 29th at 6:00 PM to hear testimony on this issue. No vote will be taken that evening. If a vote is warranted, it will be taken at the next meeting of the School Committee on August 5th at 6:00 PM.  Information will be released about access for these Zoom meetings in the near future via our normal communication channels.  

To ensure everyone who is interested has a voice, and for those that may not be able to attend the meeting on the 29th, the School Committee is now accepting written feedback from community members who would like to offer opinions and ideas about how to move forward on this issue using this Google Form.  These responses will be reviewed by the School Committee prior to the July 29th public hearing.  To ensure that the School Committee members have the time to review all responses, you are limited to 1000 characters in the comment section. Comments will be accepted through July 24th.  

The following two paragraphs are intended to inform - not influence. There have been many questions about the potential cost of rebranding our school buildings and athletic uniforms.  This is an important consideration moving forward if a change is ultimately approved.  Overall, the total cost (if everything were to change and be replaced completely all at once) is in the range of $100,000.  Many of these changes could be made over time as part of our regular building maintenance and uniform replacement cycle. There are likely opportunities for grants and other outside funding sources as well. If operating budget funds are required, it will be deliberated during the normal budget cycle. Rebranding expenses would not be prioritized above safety concerns or academics.  

Many people have asked if a new mascot has already been selected. Be assured that no new names or logos have been considered by the School Committee or the Administration. Sure - we have heard many interesting suggestions, but the decision will be made only after following a process that will be approved by the School Committee if a change is authorized. If the School Committee votes to retire the Indian mascot, then a process will begin to select a new mascot and branding under the direction of the Hanover High School Administration working with our students and community.  The timeline of that process will be determined by the conditions related to opening school safely at that time, and the format will first be approved by the School Committee.  We will not rush into this process if we are not in close collaboration with our students about making this important decision.   

We sincerely hope that by offering these forums for thoughtful feedback, we can keep this discussion and decision respectful and collaborative.  We recognize that this is an emotional issue for many people.  The world is complicated and divided right now; however, we view this as a Hanover community issue and not a political referendum.  As we read and listen to this important feedback, we must also prioritize our planning for reopening school strategically to ensure that our students, staff, and community are safe, and our students have the talented teachers, support staff, and resources they need to learn and grow under unprecedented conditions. Each member of the School Committee promises to listen and review all of the feedback presented to us as this issue is deliberated.  We want to make an informed and thoughtful decision for our students and our community, and we appreciate your participation.

Sincerely, 

Leah Miller
Chairperson, Hanover School Committee

Matthew Ferron
Superintendent, Hanover Public Schools