More chime in on Eskomo nickname

Esko parents are continuing to show up and show their support for changing the school district’s Eskomos nickname.

At the Esko school board’s meeting Monday, two parents and a representative from the National Coalition Against Racism in Sports spoke in support of changing the mascot during the open forum portion of the meeting. Two letters of support were sent to the board as well.

Parent Rachel Gilbertson said many more support the cause.

“Within the last two months, I’ve received an outpouring of support from people throughout this community,” Gilbertson said. “However, many are afraid of being visible and vocal about their support due to fear of backlash to their children and potential retaliation they themselves could face.”

Rachel Bellanger, the executive director of the National Coalition Against Racism in Sports and Media, said there are many studies showing that using terms, such as Eskomo as a mascot can be harmful to the well-being of children and Native people.

Bellanger provided various resources and studies to the board members, not only to help educate themselves, but to help them educate the community during a potential transition to a new mascot.

“I agree with moving this process forward, but — like I’ve said — I need to make sure we have a well-thought-out plan because without (it), it’s not very likely to turn out well,” said board chairman Jerry Frederick.

The board also received letters on the issue. One was from local business owner and director of the Mini Mos child care and preschool center in Esko, Courtney Greiner. She said she wanted to create a connection to the local school when she opened the care center, and used the name of her center as a way to connect with the community. After talking with people in and outside of the Esko community, Greiner said she realized the harm that the term can cause.

“At Mini Mos, we have made the decision to take the information we have learned and align it with our values. We have begun the process of changing our name to something that is inclusive to all communities,” Greiner wrote.

The board also received a letter from David Glass, president of the coalition. “Regardless of the history or intentions involved, misuse of these names and images is inherently demeaning and offensive,” Glass wrote. “They unavoidably place Indigenous people on the same plane as animal mascots. They inevitably rub salt in the historical wounds of racism and bigotry.”

Glass also offered support in any transition to a new mascot.

Parents in attendance presented multiple solutions to the board, such as modeling after Denfeld High School in Duluth, which took submissions from the community when renaming its outdoor sports facility to honor people who had an impact on the school in the past.

“How fun would it be to do a big reveal of the forthcoming mascot at the homecoming game this fall?” parent Sarah Erikson told the board.

Board members said they are planning a work session after the school year to continue working on the issue.

Other business

The board approved a $15,000 Hudl Athletic Department package for the 2023-2024 school year. Hudl is the video service that Esko athletics uses during games to film for education during practice.

The package approved by the board includes an advanced video service, two mounted motion-activated cameras, and a mobile video tripod. This would allow Esko to stream its games online and allow coaches and players to go over footage.

Superintendent Aaron Fisher said he was hesitant to support the package because of its expense and the goal that fans attend games in person. But he said the service would pay for itself through advertisements and charging fans to watch streamed games remotely.

The cameras will be mounted and ready for use during the 2023 fall sports season.