Century-old Hutchinson High School chant abolished

Topeka Capital Journal
Principal: Ronn Roehm

HUTCHINSON -- A 102-year-old Hutchinson High School chant made up of apparent nonsense words was yanked after the school board deemed it potentially offensive.

The school board voted unanimously Monday night to do away with the chant after Superintendent Wynona Winn said that at least one phrase
-- "hoe potatoer" -- could be considered offensive.

The 28-line chant of apparent nonsense words was created by two students in 1901.

It became an issue at the Dec. 9 school board meeting, when parent Lorie Norris noted that at one time it contained a racial slur that was replaced more than 60 years ago by the words "Higger, Bigger."

The district immediately suspended the chant, which usually is led by cheerleaders at football and basketball games.

Winn then searched the Internet and books, and talked to those who might have knowledge of the chant's origins.

In a book about slave songs, she found terms from the chant: "chicka," "rat trap," "bulligator" and a reference to slaves hoeing potatoes.

She also determined that the words "Higger, Bigger," could be viewed as a mask for the original terms.

No students spoke at Monday's meeting, but some adults suggested the chant should be changed instead of tossed.

"I'm a big believer in tradition," said Cindy Knox, who graduated from Hutchinson High in 1980. "Tradition is very difficult to get, very difficult to keep, very easy to let go."

Gary Carson, the district's associate superintendent of operations, however, suggested the district build a tradition of "integrity and respect and tolerance."

"Tradition is bigger than a chant or a cheer or a song," he said. "Tradition has to be something from within that people embrace and believe in as a whole, as a group."

Hutchinson High School
1401 N. Severance • Hutchinson, KS 67501 •
620-665-4500
Principal: Ronn Roehm mailto:roehmr@usd308.com

This article comes from Focus on Freedom
http://www.gohotsprings.com/focus/

The URL for this story is:
http://www.gohotsprings.com/focus/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=225

Here is a story about the complaining woman's son, along with a picture of her and family:

Norris Signs Basketball Letter

McPherson College has announced the recent signing of a basketball letter of intent by Jamaal Norris of Hutchinson, Kans. A 2002 graduate of Hutchinson High, Norris was a three-year starter for the SaltHawks, and in 2001, led Hutchinson High to an undefeated, Class 6A state title. Following his junior and senior seasons, he was named consensus, first team All-State, All-Class and Class 6A, as well as Ark Valley League MVP.

“Jamaal is a special player,” said McPherson College head coach Roger Trimmell. “We’ve had the opportunity to watch him develop during his Hutch High career and through three years of our fall league. We’re really pleased he’s decided to come our way. As one of the top five players in the state the past two years, I don’t think there’s much doubt that he is probably the best ‘high school’ recruit we’ve signed in my 21 years here.”

The 6’2” Norris, who will be participating in the KBCA All-Star game in Topeka in early August, averaged 18.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.3 steals a game during the 2002 season for the SaltHawks under coach Phil Anderson.

“Jamaal is a great athlete, and he’ll definitely be an impact player in our conference,” added Trimmell. “He is relentless on the boards, really quick off the floor, and is a great defender. He has the tools to be a Josh Alexander-type (first team NAIA All-American) of impact player for us. I believe we’ll be a good situation for him. He’ll have some very good players around him. He won’t be expected to do it all.”

“I’m really looking forward to being here,” said Norris. “McPherson is a great basketball town, and I know Coach (Trimmell) through the fall league. It seems a little funny that I’ll be playing college ball here in Mac since McPherson (High) was our big rival in high school, but I’m looking forward to it. I know people around here appreciate good basketball.

“I like the up-and-down, run-and-gun style of ball that McPherson plays. I had the opportunity to see parts of a couple of their games last year and I’ve really enjoyed playing ball with some of guys that I know I’ll be playing with.

“I like the idea of a small school. Knowing that when I walk across campus, I’m going to know who people are and that they’ll know me.”

Jamaal, who intends to major in broadcast journalism, is the son of Melvin and Lorie Norris of Hutchinson.

Jamaal Norris signs his McPherson College basketball letter of intent. Witnessing the signing are his parents Lorie and Melvin Norris along with McPherson College head coach Roger Trimmell.

*****

Source: http://www2.mcpherson.edu/athletics/mens_basketball/02-03MBB/MBBsignsings.htm

She writes letters to the editor as well:

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Western Front

People need to accept U.S. diversity

Yes! We all know what we'd prefer, no matter what the age, preference is usually easier, but is it always right? It really does create hate, pain, loss and suffering with a long-term impact and effect when people of authority plan or premeditate not to do the right thing about certain situations.

Accept that the good old United States is a melting pot. If people would do this, there would certainly be less struggle for people of all nationalities, races, colors, creeds, origins and genders. After all, people of color have continued to be in the struggle for far too long. The problem is, there are still those who don't want to see the struggle end for people of color, because it's so much easier to just shut up, sit down and not take the risk.

But someone must be willing to walk the line or racism will never stop being exercised. Too many have power been given, and too many have none at all. Even though slavery has been abolished, it still has its comfort zones. Such as "tokenism." It is in full swing but only by choice. And either way, it's wrong because of its domino effect.

Most people, even people of color will never admit that color is strong, especially in numbers.

For instance, people are curious about color so they experiment with it even at the expense of our precious children. Perhaps children of color are our best teachers if we'd only admit it, nurture it and watch it grow.

Being Black or being a person of color is strong, bold, beautiful and requires a lot of T.L.C. With hatred interrupting, only makes being Black a lot stronger. No more illiteracy, we know how to read, write, spell, become doctors, lawyers, accountants, entrepreneurs, homeowners, teachers, counselors, law enforcement, have stability, be excellent parents, drive new cars, have wealth!

Yes we can! It's legal, good and legitimate to accomplish all this. Start with ourselves, our families and then reach out to help each other.

We, America as a whole, will benefit with no racism. If but for no other reason, lay your hatred aside for the sake of the youth and their fruitful future, they are all precious and delicate.

Our hang-ups make us our own worst enemy or our own best friend. Those currently in charge in any aspect, if you've been wronged in the past, please make that lesson a stepping stone. Vengeance is not yours.

Kansas needs more tools, not weapons. Together we can make it happen, instead of watching it fail. Bare down and tighten up the obvious. Don't allow it to continue.

Handle with care. United we stand, divided we fall.

LORIE NORRIS

Hutchinson

Source: http://www.hutchnews.com/past/12-27-2002/opinion/westernfront.html

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