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Bill would allow challenges to Indian nicknames

A proposed state law would allow challenges to the use of Native American school nicknames, like Walworth's Big Foot High School.

WALWORTH -- Big Foot High School is among dozens statewide that could be forced to shed Indian-related nicknames and mascots under a bill being considered by the Wisconsin Legislature.

But Sue Pruessing, president of the Big Foot School Board, says that scenario would be unlikely in Big Foot's case.

The joint bill, introduced by Rep. Jim Soletski, D-Green Bay, and Sen. Spencer Coggs, D-Milwaukee, calls for the state Department of Public Instruction to investigate complaints about race-based nicknames, mascots and logos.

The legislation requires the state superintendent to schedule a hearing on a complaint within 45 days. A local school board then would have the burden of proving the use of the nickname does not promote discrimination, pupil harassment or stereotyping.

"We sit on the very beginning of Big Foot Prairie, and the school was named in honor of Chief Big Foot," said Sue Pruessing, president of the Big Foot School Board. "We relate it to being no different than a school being named to honor John F. Kennedy ... George Washington or (Abraham) Lincoln."

If the bill becomes law and a complaint is filed, Pruessing is confident the district will make a case to retain its nickname.

"We feel we have justification due to our history," Pruessing said. "This was (Chief) Big Foot's grounds and where his villages were. It's always been done very reverently in honor of him."

Read the full story in the e-edition of Walworth County Sunday HERE.