The North Hills School Board voted to keep their “Indians” mascot, but starting next school year they will no longer use the chief logo. North Hills School District Photo

On Thursday night, the North Hills School District board voted to keep the name Indians, but to discontinue use of the Indian chief logo.

Board members voted 7-2 on the resolution, which states that the district in Allegheny County will now work with a graphic artist to establish new district logos and images, along with guidelines for acceptable graphic identification. The resolution also stated that items currently within the district using the existing Indian chief logo will be replaced under the normal replacement cycle.

The resolution was drafted from community feedback collected in June at a town hall, according to the district. It included feedback given in an online survey from community members, current students and alumni.

In June 2021, Seneca Valley School District underwent a similar change, district officials voting to retire the district's Indigenous-American-related mascot and imagery while keeping the Raider name.

Seneca Valley’s decision came after receiving feedback from Native Americans who asked Seneca Valley — among others — to stop using their likeness as logos and mascots.

According to Butler Eagle articles at the time, the community offered mixed opinions on the retirement of the mascot. Many community members questioned why the district was “destroying and changing history,” but the district said it sought to honor the wishes of the Indigenous Americans.