From: Bethany Burgun, Director of Mission Advancement

bburgun@saintjoehigh.com; (574) 233-6137 ext. 545

For Immediate Release

Saint Joseph High School to Retire Nickname at End of School Year

In January, 2023, Saint Joseph High School launched a process to determine whether the school
should keep or change the nickname of Indians. A 13-member School Nickname Evaluation Committee
of alumni, students, parents, and faculty/staff representing constituents from six decades led the
process. For four months, the committee engaged in extensive research; provided an avenue for
constituents to express themselves directly; hosted four town halls and two focus groups; conducted an
opinion survey; and consulted with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi.

The school is grateful for the time and energy invested by the evaluation committee, and for everyone
in the Saint Joe community who provided input throughout the process.

On April 25, the evaluation committee presented to the School Board of Saint Joseph High School a
unanimous recommendation to change the school’s nickname. The board subsequently voted
unanimously in favor of the recommendation. The recommendation then passed to the principal, who
accepted it. Thus, the decision was made to change the school nickname. The decision is supported by
Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades and the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, of
which Saint Joseph High School is a part.

In a letter to the school community, Principal John Kennedy, School Board President Maura Ratigan,
and committee chairperson Adam Gill wrote, “As a Catholic Institution, it is our moral responsibility to
uphold the dignity of the human person. Through this process, we have learned that the nickname of
Indians does not honor our local Native American tribe, and, in fact, has harmed or devalued many who
identify as Native American. Thus, the nickname no longer aligns with our mission, vision, or core
values. Furthermore, the nickname inhibits school spirit, as it neither provides a mascot nor serves as a
symbol for the student body to rally around in unity.”

The nickname of Indians will be retired at the end of the current school year. Saint Joseph High School
will engage in the effort to identify a new mascot and nickname in the months ahead. The school
expects to launch and complete the next phase during the fall semester of the 2023-24 school year.

Principal Kennedy writes, “Though Saint Joseph High School will adopt a new mascot, our shared
history, deep faith, and tradition of excellence in the classroom and on the field will endure. Our mission
– to educate students in heart and mind to serve God, the Church, and the world – remains.”

For Media Inquiries, Contact: Bethany Burgun, Director of Mission Advancement,

bburgun@saintjoehigh.com or (574) 233-6137 ext 545.