SCCS Mascot Change Committee Update

Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a potential new mascot to represent Southern Cayuga. The committee greatly appreciates everyone taking part in this effort. Over the next month, the committees will meet to narrow down the list of potential candidates. The committee will look to select a few finalists which truly embody the characteristics of a mascot to represent Southern Cayuga with pride. The finalists will be put out to a vote to determine the official new mascot. Staff, students, and community members will receive another email or postcard to vote on their favorite mascot towards the end of October.

Dear SCCS School Community,
 
At this time, Southern Cayuga is seeking nominations for our new mascot. The mascot committee, made up of students, staff, and community members, recently met to determine characteristics for the new mascot to embody. Please consider the following characteristics if you wish to make a nomination.

Southern Cayuga’s new mascot should:

There are two ways to nominate a mascot...

Option 1: Fill out this Google Form

Option 2: Southern Cayuga residences will receive a postcard nomination form in the mail. The postcard can be filled out and returned to Southern Cayuga Jr/Sr High School Monday-Friday between the hours of 8-3, or mailed to:

Southern Cayuga Jr/Sr High School
Attn: Mascot Committee Chair
2384 State Route 34B
Aurora, NY 13026

All nominations are due by 3:00 pm on Friday, September 22, 2023.

Southern Cayuga will continue to update the website with additional information as the process continues. Please continue to check back if you are interested in following the process.

Dear SCCS School Community,
As you may be aware, New York State barred the use of Native American imagery and mascots for New York State schools in the spring of 2023. Please click here for further information.  "Chiefs" is one of the mascot names banned from use in New York State that must be adjusted by the end of the 2024-25 school year.

Due to this ruling,  Southern Cayuga is seeking individuals to form a community/staff committee to determine our new Southern Cayuga mascot and logo moving forward. During the 2023-24 school year, the committee will be tasked with determining important characteristics for the new mascot, and narrowing down a list of mascots from submissions. The community/staff committee will meet on the following dates from 5:00-6:00pm: August 29, September 11 (canceled), September 26, October 11, October 30, and November 13 (if needed).

In addition to the community/staff committee, a student committee will be formed and meet primarily during the school day when school is in session. 
Southern Cayuga asks anyone who is interested in being a part of the committee to commit to attending all committee meetings. Individuals who would like to contribute to the process, but are unable to commit to the meetings, will be invited to be involved by submitting nominations and voting on finalists. 

If we have more individuals apply than we are able to have on the committee, members will be selected at random while still maintaining a balance of representative groups. Applicants will be notified prior to the first meeting about whether they will be part of the committee. 

All interested applicants should apply by Friday, August 4, 2023. The application is available on the SCCS website, or using this Google Form. 

Thank you,
SCCS Administration 

Last week, the State of New York released additional guidance regarding the use of Native American Mascots by public schools. While Southern Cayuga retired the chief head logo many years ago, the guidance document clearly prohibits the continued use of team names, along with mascots and logos derived from, or that have connections to, Indigenous peoples. Southern Cayuga will soon retire the team nickname Chiefs as dictated by the Board of Regents of the New York State Education Department. 
 
Changing Native American mascots has been a topic of ongoing discussion and debate. Many people argue that these mascots perpetuate stereotypes and cultural appropriation and they can be offensive and disrespectful to Native American communities.
 
On the other hand, some people argue that Native American mascots are a form of tribute and can help to promote awareness and understanding of Native American culture. They contend that these mascots can be a source of pride and honor for both Native American communities and sports fans. However, it is crucial to recognize that the perspectives within Native American communities are diverse, and not all individuals or tribes share the same opinion on this matter. It is essential to respect their perspectives, concerns, and cultural heritage when making decisions about mascots or symbols that represent their identity.
 
The district will create a mascot advisory committee to identify a new team name, logo, and mascot.  The mascot advisory committee will include students, coaches, community members, board members, and staff in the process.  The goal of the committee is to have thoughtful conversations within our school community and identify a new symbol of Southern Cayuga pride.

Background and Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Part 123 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Relating to Prohibiting the Use of Indigenous Names, Mascots, and Logos by Public Schools