Indiana school returning Indian chief statue to gym

GOSHEN, Ind. — A northern Indiana high school is putting back up a wooden statue of an American Indian chief representing its “Redskins” mascot ahead of this weekend’s graduation ceremony.

Officials removed the statue from Goshen High School’s gym last week, saying they wanted to avoid offending anyone attending Sunday’s ceremony.

The school district said Tuesday the statue would be returned because debate over it was detracting from honoring this year’s graduates. The district says the future of the school’s mascot will be discussed over the summer.

Ten members of Congress last week urged the Washington Redskins to change their name because it is offensive to many Native Americans.

Goshen schools officials have previously recommended the Indian chief logo not be used on athletic uniforms and be removed from the gym floor.