LARNED KANSAS "INDIANS"
UNITED STATES CITIZENS RESPOND TO A PUBLIC SCHOOL SPONSORED
HOMECOMING OF RACISM
OCTOBER 5, 2001
Larned High School
815 Corse Avenue
Larned, Kansas 67550-2496
It was with considerable displeasure and disgust that we learned about the racial hatred, bigotry, and incitement of violence displayed at Larned High and Middle School. A chalk painting in the street read "BLOOD! THE SCENT OF VICTORY!" and "SCALP 'EM."
Discovery of this painting in the street was made by a Native American visitor to Larned Kansas who was understandably distressed to find it prominently displayed in the public thoroughfare.
On the same day of the above chalk painting of a bloody tomahawk, a float depicted Native Americans as savage, bloodthirsty animals who burned opponents at the stake
This is much more than a stereotype; this practice is a racial hate crime. These displays of bigotry and hatred were in prominent places and remained on display in public. Had this mocking and violent image, accompanied by stereotypes of violence, characterized Arab-Americans or any other racial group, the Department of Justice would have appeared immediately to halt the activities.
Since it is about American Indians, apparently it is considered to be an entertainment event.
This is a disgrace to the students, parents, faculty, and staff of the Larned schools and to the entire Larned community for countenancing it. Throughout the country, Larned, Kansas, is now known as one of the most racist places in the country. For the safety of our friends and family, we will warn them to never travel through or near this locus of total racism and bigotry.
Alice Huffman, Randy Huffman
From: UnfairName@aol.com
Tue, 6 Nov 2001 16:39:09
WHAT A WONDERFUL SCHOOL YOU HAVE
To: lhs2151@larned.com
Principal
Larned High School
815 Corse Avenue
Larned, Kansas 67550-2496
Dear Sir/Madam:
What in the world is going on at Larned High School? What are you teaching the students? I've had an opportunity to view the disgusting painting on the street. Is it in front of the school? Did the art teacher take the students outside during art class? or did the students just do this on their own using what they learned at your school. Please write back and tell me this is all a mistake, a bad dream.
Gerald Pressman,
Director
Find Another Name
PO Box 7422
Falls Church, VA 22046
1-888-368-7991
Web: FindAnotherName.com
Principal
Larned High School
815 Corse Avenue
Larned, Kansas 67550-2496
I was appalled and nauseated to see images painted on the streets of
your town depicting violent and agonizing deaths. To encourage this
celebration of genocide through use of your school mascot is
unconscionable. You have provided one of the most flagrant examples for
the arguments against Indian mascots: the visual, visceral romanticizing
of pain and violence. Forget all the other logical reasons for removing
Indian mascots and ask yourself, "Do we really want our school to be
known nationwide as the Kansas school that celebrates death?"
Please, lead your students into a new mindset of justice and a new
learning environment of tolerance and respect.
Jonathan B. Hook, Ph.D.
President, American Indian Resource Center
San Antonio, Texas
Larned High School
815 Corse Avenue
Larned, Kansas 67550-2496
Gosh, I am speechless. Just when I thought I had seen everything, you have shown me so much more. The chalk drawing that was displayed in front of the Larned High and Middle School with "Blood! The Scent of Victory!" and those delightful words; "Scalp 'em!" with the blood dripping depiction of a tomahawk was such an eye-opener. I had no idea how racism and ignorance could be so prevalent in your area.
To permit your students to display this revolting artwork and showcase a float that represented Indians as less than humans on the properties that receive State and Federal would fall under a violation of civil rights, wouldn't it? I do not know how many American Indians attend your school, but I doubt they helped in the structure of the float or used their artistic talent to draw the picture on the road. Are you denying those American Indians the rights to have fun as well as the other students? Would it be okay if those American Indian students decided to draw a huge drawing of a large smoking gun with the words "Blood!" "The scent of Victory!" and instead of "Scalp 'em!" they could use the words "Shoot 'em!"?
You probably can't fathom that happening and I bring it to your attention as that is my image of what the non-native youths are doing in these times we live. Would you feel insult and embarrassment by having people pass through your area and seeing such a display? Maybe a bit of fear? If the answer is yes to those questions, then why permit such violent displays towards the American Indians?
Indians have long endured this kind of treatment and lack of respect far too long. Your comical images came from the very books, television and movie shows that have been replaced with the images I have previously mentioned. Schools are a center for education and truth. Or they should be. There are no more bloody tomahawks and there are no more "Burn them at the stake" with Indians being the savages as once thought and obviously still portrayed.
Here is something for you to ponder... none of the murders of students, teachers, and children have been done by a American Indian child. If you are going to allow your students to display violence, then have them do it in a truthful way. This would be no different than what you have allowed your students to do by promoting racist and demeaning acts towards the American Indians? And please... change your mascot from "The Indians" to "The Shooters". It can be used as either great shooters of basketball hoops or shooters of educators, parents, siblings, and students, then there would be no cause to insult anyone. Plain facts and not fiction!
Jan Achilles
member of the Chippewa Indians
BACKGROUND:
The racist environment at Larned Schools must end immediately. The retirement of the "INDIANS" mascot is the way to begin this process.
Background information and contact information is on special index to Larned Kansas "Indians"Matthew Richter