A former Dumas High School graduate is calling for a major change in the Dumas Independent School District, advocating for the removal of the “Demons” mascot not only from the high school but across the entire district.
Rosalinda Reyes, a 2009 graduate of Dumas High School and parent of two current students, says her concern stems from religious objections. “The reason I’m seeking this request is because it is causing my children to compromise with their religion,” Reyes said. “The demon mascot is a religious satanic god, and I refuse to allow my children to participate in any activities at school; therefore, this is why I am requesting Dumas Demons to be removed completely.”
This is not the first time the topic has surfaced in Dumas. According to Kelly Legg, assistant superintendent for personnel at Dumas ISD, the debate over the mascot has appeared every few years. “This happens probably about every three to four years, and really, nothing has ever come of it. Each time, there really is not enough traction from the community to really want the change,” Legg said. Legg has been with the district for 33 years and has lived in Dumas since the third grade.
Despite previous attempts, Reyes is pursuing the effort through formal channels. She is circulating a petition and plans to attend the district’s regular school board meetings in April and May to press for action. “I’m doing this all in an ordinary way so that something can get accomplished,” Reyes said. “I know that, as well as myself, the Dumas School District has failed us; it has failed us through generations through this mascot. I will go as far as I need to, to get this demonic satanic God out of Dumas, Texas, for the sake of our children.”
The “Demons” mascot has a long history in Dumas, Texas, representing toughness and a competitive edge in local athletics. According to historical accounts, the nickname was chosen to intimidate opponents, and the team was often associated with the “Black Knights of the Panhandle” era in the 1950s and 60s. Local sports traditions include the use of flaming pitchforks during football games to motivate the team. The mascot has become a prominent symbol of the town, appearing on the water tower and in other civic representations.
The nickname’s origins are somewhat obscure, but it is widely understood to reflect a desire for the toughest and most fearsome mascot in the region, particularly in the context of high school football. While the symbol carries historical and cultural significance for many residents, Reyes and supporters of the petition argue that it conflicts with their religious beliefs and is inappropriate for a public school setting.
Dumas itself has other well-known cultural markers. The 1928 song “I’m a Ding Dong Daddy from Dumas” remains a quirky part of the town’s identity, separate from the high school mascot. Despite the mascot controversy, many residents continue to celebrate the local sports legacy and town traditions tied to the Demons and the historic Black Knights nickname.
As the school board meetings approach, the debate over the “Demons” mascot is expected to bring the community into discussion about tradition, religion, and the identity of Dumas schools. For Reyes, the focus is on ensuring that her children and others can participate in school activities without feeling that their religious beliefs are compromised. Whether the petition and public advocacy will prompt a change remains uncertain, but it is clear the issue continues to spark passionate discussion within the town.
