Rochester Middle School’s Logo Approved by Prairie Island Indian Community

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A  Indian community located in southeast Minnesota has signed off on a logo for a Rochester school. 

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The Rochester Public School District (RPS) issued a statement indicating it received consent to continue using the logo on Friday.

RPS received the consent to use the logo earlier this month. 

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Prairie Island Tribe Approves Continued Use of Bison Logo for Dakota Middle School in Rochester

The Prairie Island Indian Community approved the use of a bison for Rochester’s Dakota Middle School. 

“The Tribal Council noted that the decision was made after evaluating the mascot's representation within the context and history of Dakota Middle School,” the RPS statement says. 

In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law that prevents school districts from using Native American mascots and logos. 

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The law was later amended to allow districts to get consent from federally-recognized tribes to be exempt from the rule. 

RPS submitted their exemption request to the Prairie Island Indian Community to continue using the bison logo for Dakota Middle School in August. 

“We are profoundly grateful to the Prairie Island Indian Community for their thoughtful consideration and consent to our exemption request," said Rochester Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel.

Dakota Middle School, located at 5501 65th St NW, opened in 2022. The name was chosen in a vote by members of the community.