Lane Tech College Prep’s school council — made up of parents, community members, teachers and one student — has voted to abolish the school’s Native American mascot.
The Local School Council voted 12-0 Tuesday to do away with the controversial symbol, said Ana Scales, a member of the committee. The “Indian” mascot features a Native American wearing a feather headdress.
Even though the vote is advisory, a CPS spokesman said Wednesday “the mascot is being officially removed” and that Lane will “now engage their school community to select a new one.”
In mid-July, the council reached out to current and former students, asking them in an online questionnaire whether the mascot should be replaced, Scales said. Some 9,100 people responded, with 52.5% saying the mascot needed to go, Scales said. The council also received about 300 emails from current and former students, offering their opinions on the mascot.
