INDIANAPOLIS — Washington's National Football League franchise is under pressure to drop the Redskins moniker.
Indianapolis has its own Redskins, the Manual High School Redskins. And yes, the school is considering a change after more than 100 years as the Redskins.
Christel House is now operating Manual as a charter school for IPS. Dr. Sarah Weimer is Executive Director of Christel House Indianapolis.
Here is what she told WRTV:
As educators, we are dedicated to changing the conversation in the classroom around the representation of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) within our culture and daily life. Christel House values diversity, respects all cultures, and takes pride in the diversity represented in our student body.
Christel House Indianapolis became the operator of Emmerich Manual High School on July 1, 2020. In light of the national dialogue that has prompted a reflection on the representation of BIPOC in daily life, it was important to us to begin the process of addressing the mascot in partnership with the community.
As we begin this new chapter in the history of Manual High School, we will be involving the Manual Alumni Association, the greater Southside community, IPS, and local Native American representatives in the discussion on the new mascot.
We are honored to play a part in the 125-year rich history of Manual High School and aim to respect the numerous traditions over the past decades while looking to a vibrant future for upcoming generations for the Southside and wider Indianapolis community.
Is there a specific mascot selected at this time? Not yet, said Weimer, and she doesn't expect a decision before the start of the upcoming school year. But the school plans to be in touch with the groups it is seeking feedback from next week.
