Houston schools hear EDI call to reconsider MNVA—s owl mascot after tribal outreach

The Houston Public School District—s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee told the school board it has begun work to evaluate the MNVA mascot after surveys and community outreach showed many stakeholders prefer a change. The committee reported that, of those who expressed a preference in the surveys, the majority supported changing the mascot to make school symbols more inclusive.

The committee said the review followed staff and student surveys, and recent outreach that included a visit to Red Lake Nation where district representatives met tribal council leaders, the Red Lake public school and Family & Children—s Services staff. The presenters told the board that tribal leaders and families expressed concerns about the owl imagery and that those conversations helped shape the committee—s recommendation to pursue a process for rebranding.

Why it matters: District presenters said imagery can affect whether students and families feel welcomed in school spaces. The committee framed a mascot review as a way to align symbols with a districtwide commitment to support all learners and avoid images that tribal communities find culturally sensitive.

What the board heard: Committee members described survey results and a proposed path forward that emphasizes authentic engagement with impacted families. "When we did these surveys ... the majority wanted to support changing the mascot in order to be inclusive and to really support all of our students," said Mandy Moberg, academic engagement coach and family support network, who presented the committee—s findings. Board members and student council representatives offered mixed reactions: some students emphasized tradition, with one saying, "once a hurricane, always a hurricane," while others urged sensitivity to tribal concerns and suggested alternatives such as different storm names or unified district colors.

Staff described concrete engagement steps the committee has taken and plans to continue, including additional community outreach, follow-up conversations with tribal leaders and further internal discussion. Presenters said one option is a districtwide approach to branding that retains the "Hurricanes" identity across in-person and online schools while removing imagery identified as culturally sensitive.

Board response and next steps: Board members asked procedural questions about how the process would work and whether changes would require student or community votes. Staff said the EDI team will reconvene to refine next steps and return with proposed pathways, including timelines for broader stakeholder engagement. No formal policy change or vote was taken. The EDI presenters requested direction and said the team would bring back recommendations after additional consultation.

Context and constraints: Presenters emphasized the need for an authentic process that centers impacted families and tribal voices. The committee reported that the owl emblem was originally adopted through past local decisions and that some community members retain strong attachment to that imagery. Presenters also noted operational issues such as apparel, athletics affiliation and the potential for shared branding between MNVA and on-site Houston schools.

Evidence: Committee comments and survey results presented to the board; school staff reported meeting with Red Lake Nation leaders and returning with direct community feedback that informed the committee—s recommendation.

Ending: The board asked staff to continue collecting community input and return with a recommended process and potential timelines for any brand changes so trustees can consider the committee—s proposal in a future meeting.