To the editor:

Do not let “Elite-Saviorism” destroy our community culture and history!

As a Dartmouth resident originally from a foreign country, the Dartmouth Indian symbol speaks to the unique history of this community with Native Americans being honored in a respectful way. The ongoing efforts by the School Committee chair to cancel the Indian symbol in the name of “diversity and equality” are troublesome.

First, a version of the current Indian symbol was designed by Wampanoag member Clyde Andrews while he attended Dartmouth High. Mr. Andrews supports the symbol as a tribute to Wampanoag culture and history. Second, his federally recognized tribe is on record supporting the symbol. Third, a 2021 D.H.S. survey shows an overwhelming majority of 76.9% of Dartmouth High students, parents and residents support keeping the symbol.

Unfortunately, there are a few elites who believe they know what’s best for tribal members in Dartmouth. The chair has forced her woke interpretation of the Indian symbol on our community and insists on canceling it to “protect the youth.” It doesn’t take a doctorate degree to understand the spirit and pride of our Indian symbol. Residents know that the symbol is a celebration of this community’s culture and history.

Furthermore, aren’t there far more pressing issues the school committee should be considering? How have school closures, distance education and mask mandates impacted our students’ mental health and academic scores? Studies have shown these pandemic-related measures are likely to have far-reaching effects on our children’s well-being (as any parent already knows).  Leave the Indian symbol alone and focus on educating our children.

Shelley Zhang

Dartmouth