Purpose:

  • To determine a new BHS mascot name (and possibly image).
  • To develop and deliver educational activities on systemic racism to BHS students and community to promote a more inclusive environment.

Basis for Establishment:

  • Nationwide social justice movement, desire to update mascot name to reflect more inclusive practices.

Decision-Making Process:

  • Advisory committee gathers feedback and determines if A) mascot image remains as a bird and new name is chosen or B) both mascot name and image are changed.
  • Students and staff give feedback on new name and new image if needed.
  • Advisory committee makes final recommendations to Dr. Baker.

Members:

  • Janis Velasquez Farmer, director of equity, diversity and inclusion, co-chair
  • Linda Wise Miller, principal, Bellingham High School (BHS), co-chair
  • Chad Larsen, BHS activity/athletics coordinator
  • Ben Goodwin, BHS administrative intern and leadership teacher
  • Eight BHS students
  • Three BHS certificated staff members
  • One BHS classified staff member
  • Two community members
  • Jay Jordan, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning
  • Jackie Brawley, executive director of communications and community relations

Responsibilities:

  • Attend meetings and engage in reflective conversations
  • Participate in educational activities
  • Gather and share feedback from stakeholder groups

Timeline/Plan of Work:

  • Jan. 29 Deadline to apply for committee
  • Feb 5 Committee members announced
  • Committee Meeting Dates: Wednesdays, 3:30-4:45 p.m. (Additional dates may be added if necessary)
  • Feb. 10, Feb. 17, March 17, March 31, April 21, May 12
  • March 11-19 Educational efforts delivered to BHS students through advisory and other activities
  • Community Meetings
  • Students (Tuesday, March 23, 3:30-4:45 p.m.)
  • Staff/Teachers/Coaches (Wednesday, March 24, 3:30-4:45 p.m.)
  • Community Members (Thursday, March 25, 5:30-6:30 p.m.)
  • March 31 Advisory Committee makes mascot image decision
  • Month of April – Students and staff give feedback on mascot name and image if applicable
  • May – Final recommendations given to Dr. Baker
  • May – Mascot name and image announced to BHS community

Meetings:

  • Feb. 10
  • Feb. 17
  • March 17
  • March 31
  • April 21
  • May 12

Budget Implications:

  • Design fee(s) for new mascot name and possibly new image.
  • Expenditures to replace Red Raider name throughout building, outside athletic facilities, uniforms, etc.
  • Additional costs if new image is chosen.

Other:

  • ASB officers and leadership class are actively involved in developing, piloting, and delivering educational activities when appropriate.