Pekin High School changed its name from the racially insensitive previous name "Chinks" in 2022 after years of pressure from students, alumni, and community members. The name "Chinks" is a racial slur against Chinese people, and it has a long history of being used to denigrate and dehumanize them.
The Pekin High School community recognized that the name "Chinks" was harmful and offensive, and they made the decision to change it to a name that is more inclusive and respectful. The new name, Pekin Dragons, was chosen to reflect the school's commitment to diversity and inclusion. It is also a nod to the school's mascot, which has been a dragon since 1925.
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