x
Breaking News
More () »

Mason City to drop 'Mohawk' mascot, name from schools

The Mason City Board of Education voted Monday to retire the “Mohawk” name and mascot and begin the search for a new mascot in January.

MASON CITY, Iowa — EDITOR'S NOTE: The above video is from Nov. 8

Mason City schools will drop the mascot “Mohawks" in favor of a brand that does not exploit Native American tribal symbols and imagery. 

The Mason City Board of Education voted Monday to retire the “Mohawk” name and mascot and begin the search for a new mascot in January. Officials plan to have a new mascot and name selected by July 1. 

The move comes after the Meskwaki Nation in Iowa and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council of Akwesasne, New York, objected to the Native-themed mascot.

Calls for such changes have grown more insistent across the country in recent years.

RELATED: Commission sparks call to end 'degrading' and 'hurtful' mascots in Iowa schools

RELATED: Push for Native American curriculum in schools makes gains

WATCH | Indianola Community School District opens school board meeting up for public comment on mascot name 

Before You Leave, Check This Out