Oskaloosa Tradition Faces Change

The ‘Indian Head’ at Oskaloosa High School and the tradition surrounding it have recently become the center of controversy in Oskaloosa.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Tradition as defined by Wikipedia, “A tradition is a ritual, belief or object passed down within a society, still maintained in the present, with origins in the past.”

One such tradition has been the “scrubbing” or cleaning of the brass Indian Head, which started shortly after the funds were raised to purchase the Indian Head by three classes at Oskaloosa High School. According to Louise Phillips, Class of 1957, her class along with the classes of 1956 and 1958 gave the money that purchased the large medallion.

Word started to leak out about the changing of the tradition after student orientation, and the reaction was almost instantaneous. Jennifer Fleener stated that she and others were in support of the tradition. “I too scrubbed it and took my turn making others scrub it. I think it would be a shame to remove this tradition that so many have participated in. It’s neat being able to talk with parents and even grandparents, about participating in a tradition that they too participated in.”

A new Facebook page sprang to life almost instantly. ‘Save The Oskaloosa Indian Head Tradition’ was created by Ryan Wissler, a 1998 graduate of Oskaloosa High School. The page went viral, or at least as much as they do in Oskaloosa, and has nearly 700 members since being created on Thursday.

As many others have expressed, Wissler said, ” I scrubbed the Indian Head, my mom scrubbed it, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, etc, we all scrubbed it. It’s a part of Oskaloosa High School. It brings the kids together and is all about tradition and respect.”

Wissler says he created the page, “My page is for fellow alum to voice their opinions and hopefully find some-what of a solution. My opinion is my opinion, but when nearly 600 people (so far) agree with my opinion, we can be heard. I realize that “liking” a Facebook page may not be the answer but it’s a good start. I am a little overwhelmed by the response of so many people, but I am not surprised by the outcome and I am happy and proud that so many people agree that it needs to be saved. There are thousands of Oskaloosa graduates who still care about the tradition and that it meant something too. If nothing else perhaps they could let the underclassman scrub it by choice.”

Oskaloosa School Superintendent Russ Reiter sent out a press release Friday concerning the tradition and as to why he believes changed laws have forced the change.

“There’s been much said in public and posted on social media recently about the long standing tradition of cleaning the Indian Head (Chief Mahaska) here at the Oskaloosa Senior High School. First and foremost, the Indian Head is not being removed and it will serve with honor in the Oskaloosa High School.”

“I understand Tradition as I have had the privilege of working in several fine school districts during my career. School Districts all around the State of Iowa and the country have their traditions. While some are respectable, many are not. Those traditions or initiations can be viewed many different ways and from different perspectives. We should be able to agree on one thing; that hazing and initiations have no place in American High Schools.”

“Unfortunately, we live in a different world than we did just 20 years ago. Tradition by some; can be viewed as harassment by others. The act of forcing a student to do something they don’t want to do by another student is inappropriate. That is why the Oskaloosa High School Student Council was brought into this discussion last spring and several ideas were generated from their responses.”

“The President of the United States and Iowa Department of Education has made the elimination of bullying, harassment and hazing a top priority for all students in every school district. Whether I agree or disagree with the tradition is irrelevant as my job is to protect students and protect the district from any potential liability due to assumed bullying, harassment, and or hazing.”

“If we show the respect to Chief Mahaska that I believe we should, would it not be more appropriate to honor him by cleaning it with those who believe it is honorable and want to clean it rather than those who are being forced to clean it? I will, in fact encourage all students to clean the Indian Head Plaque and take pride in doing so.”

“I know there will be many different viewpoints and opinions on this matter. Pride in one’s school does not come from a single act or “Right of Passage” but in knowing that we, as a district are dedicated and committed to providing the best possible experience and education to every student.”

“I realize this is a change in tradition. There are times when change is necessary to comply with laws and our ever-changing society. Public education is not excluded from change and compliance.”

Best wishes and have a great school year.

Russ Reiter, Superintendent – Oskaloosa Schools

For reference, Reiter included a copy of the Iowa Hazing Law.

708.1 Hazing * 1a. A person commits an act of hazing when the person intentionally or recklessly engages in any act or acts involving forced activity which endangers the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization in connection with a school, college, or university. Prohibited acts include, but are not limited to, any brutality of physical nature such as whipping, forced confinement, or any other forced activity which endangers the health or safety of the student. * 1b. For the purpose of this section, “forced activity” means any activity which is a condition of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, an organization regardless of a student’s willingness to participate in the activity. * 2 A person who commits an act of hazing is guilty of a simple misdemeanor. * 3 A person who commits an act of hazing which causes serious bodily injury to another is guilty of a serious misdemeanor and could be referred to civil authorities. * 4 Display of materials and use of language * 5 Public posting or utterance of obscene language, or the display of lewd or pornographic material or erotic art is not allowed on campus.

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