OSKALOOSA —
There’s been much said in public and posted on social media recently about the long-standing tradition of cleaning the Indian Head (Chief Mahaska) here at the Oskaloosa Senior High School. First and foremost, the Indian Head is not being removed and it will serve with honor in the Oskaloosa High School.
I understand tradition as I have had the privilege of working in several fine school districts during my career. School districts all around the state of Iowa and the country have their traditions. While some are respectable, many are not. Those traditions or initiations can be viewed many different ways and from different perspectives. We should be able to agree on one thing; that hazing and initiations have no place in American High Schools.
Unfortunately, we live in a different world than we did just 20 years ago. Tradition by some can be viewed as harassment by others. The act of forcing a student to do something they don’t want to do by another student is inappropriate. That is why the Oskaloosa High School Student Council was brought into this discussion last spring and several ideas were generated from their responses.
The President of the United States and Iowa Department of Education has made the elimination of bullying, harassment and hazing a top priority for all students in every school district. Whether I agree or disagree with the tradition is irrelevant as my job is to protect students and protect the district from any potential liability due to assumed bullying, harassment and or hazing.
If we show the respect to Chief Mahaska that I believe we should, would it not be more appropriate to honor him by cleaning it with those who believe it is honorable and want to clean it rather than those who are being forced to clean it? I will, in fact encourage all students to clean the Indian Head Plaque and take pride in doing so.
I know there will be many different viewpoints and opinions on this matter. Pride in one’s school does not come from a single act or “Right of Passage” but in knowing that we, as a district are dedicated and committed to providing the best possible experience and education to every student.
I realize this is a change in tradition. There are times when change is necessary to comply with laws and our ever-changing society. Public education is not excluded from change and compliance.
Best wishes and have a great school year.
Russ Reiter, Superintendent
Oskaloosa Schools
Local News
August 17, 2012
Oskaloosa superintendent: Indian Head is not being removed
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