Community Invited to Panel Discussion on Native American Mascots Nov. 17

VALDOSTA – The Native American Studies Student Association, Four Directions, and the Office of Social Equity at Valdosta State University will present a panel discussion on Native American mascots from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, in the Jerry and Kay Jennett Lecture Hall Room 2211. Admission is free of charge and open to the public.

Throughout the evening, a three-member panel — Dr. Dixie Haggard, professor in the Department of History and the Native American Studies Program; Dr. Fred Knowles, professor in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice and the Native American Studies Program; and Dr. Lavonna Lovern, professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies and the Native American Studies Program — will share their thoughts on the issue of Native American imagery being used as mascots.

“The issue of Native American mascots has been a concern in Native American communities for decades,” said Lovern. “It has recently become a more public issue with the tribes/nations coming together and filing lawsuits.”

Contact Sydney Beckmann, president of Four Directions, at sabeckmann@valdosta.edu or (229) 333-5949 for more information.

On the Web:

https://valdosta.collegiatelink.net/organization/fourdirections

https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/arts-sciences/native-american-studies/

https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/social-equity/

Valdosta State University’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.

Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports VSU’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities.

The story above demonstrates VSU's commitment to meeting the following goals:

Goal 1: Recruit, retain, and graduate a quality, diverse student population and prepare students for roles as leaders in a global society.

Goal 3: Promote student, employee, alumni, retiree, and community engagement in our mission.

Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/planning/strategic-plan.php to learn more.