Description
The school's mascot was an Indian. In 2004, there was a major controversy at the school about the appropriateness of the mascot. The school took up the issue after researching high schools and colleges around the U.S. with similar nicknames that had decided to change their mascots. Many of these schools had received complaints from Native American groups about the stereotypes that the mascots reinforced. The student council also discussed rumors that New Jersey would be banning Native American-related mascots, and eventually it was decided that taking up the issue by choice rather than force was the right thing to do. After months of public debate and an official symposium in which students voiced opinions from both sides of the issue, a vote was held among the students and faculty and the motion to keep the Indian was affirmed, 67% voting in favor of keeping the mascot.
In 2015, the school district decided to change the logo to one using the initials "PV" while deferring a decision on the mascot name.
In July 2020 the district board of education voted to eliminate both the PVHS "Indians" and the "Cowboys" at Pascack Hills High School.
“This decision was in response to ongoing presentations and discussions with students, faculty, staff, and administration regarding how such mascots are not inline with the district goal of equity and inclusivity,” the board said.
“Monolithic stereotypes that reduce all Indians to a single image and relegate them to a people of the past teaches our students that stereotyping is acceptable and shows the broader community that Pascack Valley High School does not stand up to images of injustice,” Leah Jerome, history teacher and One Spirit co-advisor said.
“Not only do we promote certain ideals in this district, we promote unity amongst our district and between our schools,” Ralph said. “Perhaps once upon time, before any of us were involved, there was a perception of rivalry between the schools. We don’t foster that kind of environment anymore, so we shouldn’t have nicknames that are in contrast with each other. We should have something that unifies our district.” - Board member Kenneth Ralph
“[The mascot] is clearly a racist caricature of real people who have had their lives and land stolen. Native Americans are just that – Americans, and to treat them as a mascot is downright disgraceful,” PV alum Sam Riley said.