Retiring the Midget Mascot: FAQ

Will the new mascot erase the history and tradition of the Midget mascot?    

No, we will not erase the history and tradition of the Midget mascot.

We deeply respect the legacy and history that the Midget mascot represents. The pride and memories tied to our mascot are important to us all, and we are not asking anyone to feel ashamed of their connection to it. We acknowledge that the spirit of the Dickinson Midgets era will remain strong for those that wore it on their jerseys and cheered the name in the stands.  

We are not asking you to let go of your apparel, memorabilia, or cherished memories. Instead, we honor the legacy of the Midget mascot and all it has meant to so many, while ensuring that every student has equal opportunities to compete, perform, and be recognized.

"Honor the Past, Celebrate the Future"

Why is DHS making this change, and why now?                                                  

1. Our Students

   In August 2024, a complaint was filed about the limitations the Midget mascot places on our students. After discussions with students, coaches, and staff, it became clear that while we take pride in who we are, this mascot creates real challenges for some of our students and activities. 
   
   Here are a few examples:
   State Award, National Disqualification:  One of our programs won a prestigious state award last year but would not qualify for recognition at the National level because of the Midget mascot.
   
   Athletic Team Disqualification:  A DHS team was disqualified at a national competition for the Midget mascot. To compete in future years, they had to remove the word “Midgets” from their uniforms and now face penalties because they cannot use the mascot during competition.
   
   While we honor our traditions, this change ensures that all students have equal opportunities to compete, perform, and be recognized.

2. Legal Concerns
   The chance of serious legal issues continues to increase. The Midget mascot has created the potential for Office of Civil Rights complaints and legal liabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act, particularly for students with Achondroplasia (a form of skeletal dysplasia). If the district is found in violation, we could face civil lawsuits with no tort cap, putting our school and taxpayers at risk. 
    
3. Writing Our Story
   We can choose to be proactive and make this change thoughtfully or wait until it's no longer our decision to make
    
4. The Meaning of Words Evolve

   For many, the Midget mascot is deeply rooted in Dickinson tradition and pride. However, words can change over time and can take on meanings that were not originally intended.

   The mascot, for us, symbolized strength, spirit, and unity, but it is now associated with negative connotations, including being used in ways that can be harmful or as a slur. While our school is not using this term in a derogatory way, we acknowledge that it has evolved into something that can cause discomfort for our students when traveling outside of Dickinson. 

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Why was the community not involved in this decision?                                                                                         

The decision to retire the mascot was made by school leadership due to its impact on student opportunities—students are being penalized in competitions, missing opportunities for national recognition, and facing limitations because of the current mascot.

We understand that this decision has a significant impact on our community. However, when our mascot directly affects student opportunities, the question is no longer whether we should change it—it is clear that, as a school, it is time to make this change.

We are committed to involving the community as we choose a new mascot.

What is the timeline, and how are students and the community involved?                                                     

March 26 - April 2: Launch of Mascot Submission Form
We invite all community members to share their ideas for our new mascot. The colors will remain orange and black. The Mascot Submission Form will ask for suggestions on mascot names, themes, or any creative elements you think should be incorporated.

• Student Survey: Open to students with a DPS Google account.
• Community Survey: Open to all members of the Dickinson community.
• We will share the details on how to access the survey on March 26. In the meantime, we encourage you to start thinking about ideas, themes, and what you want our new mascot to represent.

April 9: Review Committee - Leadership Groups Meet to Narrow Down Submissions
A staff and student committee will review the submissions and narrow the ideas to the most fitting concepts.

April 14: Selection Committee Meets to Decide Finalists - *Date was changed due to spring break 
A final selection committee will review the narrowed-down ideas and select the finalists.  The committee will include representatives from students, staff, coaches, administration, alumni, and parent groups.

May 5 - 6: Student Vote
Students in grades 5-12 will vote on the finalists. 

May 7: New Mascot Announced

Please note: These dates are subject to change as we move through the process.

Will there be significant costs associated with changing the mascot?                                                             

We want to reassure the community that the mascot change will not result in large rebranding costs. Items such as athletic uniforms, the gym floor, and other equipment are due for routine updates and will naturally be replaced as part of the regular replacement cycle over the next few years.

Our existing school and athletic budgets already account for these costs, ensuring a smooth and cost-effective transition.

Was this change a part of the October 24, 2023, school bond referendum?                                                      

No, this change is unrelated to the October 24, 2023, school bond referendum.

The conversation about retiring the mascot began after a complaint was filed in August 2024, when it became clear that students were being prevented from participating equally due to the mascot.

How can I submit my ideas for the next logo?                                                                                                           

We are excited to announce that the community survey to help find the next Dickinson High School mascot is officially open, and we want to hear from you! This is a meaningful opportunity for our community to participate in shaping the next chapter of DHS history.

How to Participate:

• Click on the Dickinson High School Mascot Submission Form below.
• Submit suggestions for a mascot name, design/logo inspiration, or any symbols/themes you feel represent our school community.

Important Notes:

• All submissions must be school-appropriate.
• Please submit one mascot name per entry (multiple entries are welcome!). 
• Our school colors will remain orange and black.
• The survey will remain open through April 2, 2025.

We encourage families to talk with their students and help them submit their ideas. This is a unique chance for students to take part in defining their school’s identity.  We can’t wait to see the creativity and school pride they bring to this process!