Tulsa's Union Public Schools has a new mascot.
Union’s Board of Education on Monday voted unanimously to approve the new Redhawks mascot, as recommended by students.
The announcement of the new name comes exactly one year after the district retired its previous mascot of 85 years, which is considered offensive and a racial slur towards Native Americans.
"We are thrilled that the votes came in so resoundingly in favor of the Redhawks," said Superintendent Dr. Kirt Hartzler. "I believe Redhawks strongly positions Union for the future and is a mascot we can live with for many years to come. Thanks to the thousands of students and patrons who provided input as we went through what I believe was a thoughtful process."
Students were asked to vote for the options Redhawks and Bison, and 935 students participated. More than 72 percent of students in grades 4-12 chose the Redhawks option.
The school's former mascot was a name that is considered offensive and a racial slur towards Native Americans. That name was retired in November 2020 after 75 years of use. The NFL Washington Football Team dropped the same name just a few months prior.
The school will keep its red and black color scheme, and the new name is effective immediately, just in time for their home playoff football game against Yukon on Friday.
