Wichita Public Schools says it will begin discussions this month about possibly changing the North High mascot.
In a statement posted to social media Monday, the district says it and the Board of Education "agree that it is time to have a community conversation" about the Redskins nickname.
The district said it's already been speaking with local representatives of the Native American community; an initial public discussion will be held on July 30 during the regular BOE meeting, "with a plan developed for community engagement to follow."
"We have received many questions regarding North High’s mascot in light of national discussions," the district said in the statement.
WPS and the BOE agree that it's time to have a community conversation to change the North High mascot. The Board of Education will hold its first public discussion on this topic on July 30, with a plan developed for community engagement to follow. pic.twitter.com/uEJ16to96C
— Wichita Public Schools (@WichitaUSD259) July 13, 2020
The question of whether to change the Redskins name has come up several times in the school's 91-year history: In the late 1990s, a committee was formed to take public feedback on the issue, and the debate resurfaced again in 2013.
The district's announcement followed news that Washington's NFL team would change its name under pressure from activists and sponsors.