VIDEO: Students say these college mascots are ‘offensive’
Students agreed that many of the presented symbols were offensive.
Some even said the mascots should be replaced if even one student is offended.
As the trend to remove mascots, symbols, and chants continues on college campuses, Campus Reform asked students to weigh in on a few examples.
As the movement to remove college mascots, symbols, and statues from campus continues, Campus Reform Digital Reporter Eduardo Neret asked students to weigh in on a few examples.
Many students said the presented symbols, which included an image of the University of Florida’s “Gator Bait” chant, an image of the San Diego State University Aztec mascot, the George Washington University and College of the Holy Cross logos, and the weather vane at Dartmouth College, were offensive.
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“I’d say [the Aztec mascot] offensive because Indians and Native Americans are still prevalent throughout the U.S.,” one student explained.
“Why would you have a mascot of someone who basically stole land,” one student said of the George Washington University Colonials mascot.
Neret then asked students to specify what standard should be used to determine if something is offensive. Students struggled to explain.
“It’s hard because what is allowed for these things to happen is that someone, probably...there was ignorance,” one student said.
“I really think it’s at your own discretion,” another student added.
Neret also asked students how many students had to be offended for colleges and universities to take action. Many students said just one student saying they were offended would be enough to warrant changes on campus.
“If one person has offended me, as president of the school, I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that one person feels comfortable,” one student said.
“I don’t think numbers matter. I think action does,” a different student argued.
Follow the author of this article on Facebook: @eduneret and Twitter: @eduneret
