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Should Canton High School Drop Chiefs as its Nickname?

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights filed a complaint that American Indian nicknames—such as the Chiefs—harm students' education and should be banned.

Should Canton High School change its nickname?

The answer is yes, according to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.

The department said that high school nicknames—such as Chiefs for Canton High School—harms students’ education and asked the U.S. Department of Education to ban the use of American Indian mascots, nicknames and “imagery” at the high school level, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Canton was one of 35 high schools mentioned in the Michigan Department of Civil Rights’ complaint.

"A growing and unrebutted body of evidence now establishes that the use of American Indian imagery reinforces stereotypes in a way that negatively impacts the potential for achievement by students with American Indian ancestry," the department said in a filing to the U.S. Department of Education.

"Continued use of American Indian mascots, names, nicknames, logos, slogans, chants and/or other imagery creates a hostile environment and denies equal rights to all current and future American Indian students and must therefore cease."

What do you think? Should Canton High School change its nickname? Let us know in the comments below.

Tim Reynolds February 11, 2013 at 01:42 pm
No Just add "Fire" the name. " Fire Chiefs" I am a retired Fire Chief and I approve this decision.
Hairman February 11, 2013 at 02:20 pm
Change the names of Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Blvd. because they go thru
dangerous parts of a city!
Mike February 11, 2013 at 02:34 pm
No! Enough of the Political Correct mind numbing junk. The name was not chosen to denigrate Native Americans, it was chosen to honor and emulate their greatness.
All they are doing is calling on the $70 Billion wasteful Federal Government BULLY department to intimidate us to change. How does then name of the school mascot affect education anyhow? Would the school have to change its logo and all students need to buy more sprit wear, What about changing the slogan “Chiefs are Leaders”
Dale Behler February 11, 2013 at 03:44 pm
This is another example of mindless political correctness gone out of control. I doubt most Native Americans view the "Chiefs" name for the Canton High School mascot as degrading. It is positive as far as honoring our Native American heritage and in no way is intended to disrespect them. Don't these goody two-shoers at Michigan Department of Civil Rights have anything more important to do than go around looking for minor issues to make a big stink about? If our money strapped Michigan government is looking to make budget cuts, maybe they could eliminate this department because they obviously don't have much important stuff to keep them busy.
Charles Duncan February 11, 2013 at 04:05 pm
Not no but Hel NO. I am a retired AF Chief Master Sergeant and Chief is an english word
Vincent February 11, 2013 at 04:29 pm
Canton HS opened in 1972 and we are worrying about this now, a little late! I have friends who graduated from Canton HS and they’re of Native American descent; if it did not bother them then why should it bother anyone else. The really unbelievable part of this article is stating that it "harms students’ education"…really?
Brad Jensen February 11, 2013 at 05:51 pm
Rename them to the Vikings. You have the permission of this Danish-American. I promise to not be offended.
Jim Salamay February 11, 2013 at 07:39 pm
I graduated as a Canton "Chief" myself. My opinion sides with Tim & Mike. If this is so offensive... Keep the name "Chiefs" and change the image to a Fire Chief!
frank February 12, 2013 at 03:35 am
Change Plymouths mascot instead. Wildcats, real creative name they chose.
Tristan February 12, 2013 at 05:58 pm
Dont change a thing! Leave it just as it is unless Coca Cola, Pepsi or one of the big name corporations want to come in and sponsor each and every students future college education and then they can name the team whatever they want! Hey everyones looking to save a dime....Why not?
Jerry Grady February 12, 2013 at 08:23 pm
First I was no longer a Huron, now I will no longer be a Chief. Really? Where do we live?
Revels February 19, 2013 at 04:14 pm
I graduated from Plymouth Canton in 1998. I am also a registered tribal member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Never once did I feel that the use of American Indian mascots, names, terms, graphics and/or other imagery, created a hostile environment or deny me equal rights. I was and still am proud knowing I went to a school that decided to honor my culture by using name and imagery associated with my culture. If The Michigan Department of Civil Rights really wants to help reduce hostile environments for Native Americans then maybe they should focus their attention on getting rid of the statue of General Custer in Monroe, MI. General Custer is known for killing Native Americans during the Indian Wars and yet Native Americans are forced to pass the statue that honors General Custer. MDCR does not represent this registered tribal member.
Leave the names/logos alone.

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