Wisconsin officials issue first order against Native American mascot

OSSEO, Wis. (WPR) A Wisconsin school district has been ordered to stop using a race-based mascot.

The state Department of Public Instruction has ruled that the Osseo-Fairchild “Chieftains” nickname is discriminatory, and promotes stereotypes of Native Americans. The district has one year to drop the mascot, or possibly face fines.

Harvey Gunderson and his wife, Carol, are among 15 district residents who complained about the mascot under a new state law. Gunderson says he hopes the outcome will inspire others across the state to file complaints against Indian mascots. He says they’ve received a lot of attention from other states where people have been very pleased with the ruling. 

“In fact several people have called to thank us and to say this was a victory for American Indians across the state of Wisconsin, and in fact a victory for American Indians across the entire nation.” 

The Gundersons say they’ve been harassed and threatened for challenging the Chieftains mascot, but add the ruling can bring a positive change for everyone in their district.

The president of the Osseo-Fairchild school board could not be reached for comment.  

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Information from Wisconsin Public Radio, www.wpr.org