Hurley School Board issues statement after voting to discontinue Midget mascot

HURLEY — On Monday evening, the Hurley School District School Board unanimously voted to discontinue the use of the high school’s Midget mascot at the end of the 2018-19 school year.

School board president Joe Simonich said there had been a lot of opinions shared about the possibility of changing the mascot. Some had shared the use of the term “midget” was derogatory, while others felt the school’s mascot was a focus of pride in their school.

The board had previously voted to place a question on the ballot pertaining to whether the use of the mascot should continue or if a new one should be selected. On Monday, the board decided to remove the question from April’s ballot and then voted to remove Midgets as the mascot. Finally, the board charged administration with rebranding the school for the beginning of the 2019-20 school.

Late Monday, the board issued the following statement:

“The Hurley School Board has been wrestling for some time with the future of the Hurley Midget mascot. To be sure, this is the most difficult decision any of us have ever made as board members. The mascot is a proud symbol of this community and our school district. Generations of Hurley students, parents and community members proudly wore the mascot in support of the great tradition of our schools.

“Ultimately, our decision to make this change comes as a result of great deliberation. As a board, we felt that even though the use of Midgets as our mascot was one of respect and tradition, it would increasingly become a distraction for our students and community. At a time when there are so many great things taking place in our district, the mascot would become the one thing for which we would be known. We did not want that for our students.

“Additionally, in a school district that prides itself on inclusion and making all students and families feel a strong sense of belonging, the mascot sends the wrong message to any student or family who is different.

“Although holding a referendum seemed to be the best way to move forward on this issue at the time, board members came to feel that by delaying this change, the community would become divided. We wanted to avoid any situations in which neighbors would be pitted against neighbors in a divisive and disruptive way. We fully understand that many in the community will disagree with this vote, but we felt the need to take action.

“Later this year, we will begin work to select a new mascot. This is a process we are very much looking forward to, as it will involve our parents, students and other community members. We have an opportunity to choose a new symbol that reflects the tremendous pride we all feel for the Hurley School District and community.”