what is osd mascot

The OSD mascot is the Bison.

Quick Scoop: What is OSD’s mascot?

When people online say “OSD mascot,” they are most often referring to the Oklahoma School for the Deaf (OSD) in Sulphur, Oklahoma. Historically, their teams were known as the “Indians,” but the school went through a multi‑year process to change to a more inclusive mascot.

• Around 2016, OSD began phasing out Native imagery and moved to a simpler “block O with two feathers” while still using the Indians nickname.

• In July 2021, the school’s overseeing commission officially approved a full mascot change.

• The community considered many options (Tasmanian Devils, T. Rexes, Painted Horses, Eagles, and more).

• In voting by students, staff, alumni, and others connected to the school, more than two‑thirds chose Bison , an animal native to the area around Sulphur.

At homecoming on October 2, OSD revealed new mascot artwork: a muscular green bison with a fierce expression, created by artist Nathan Fylstra, a longtime OSD staff member who is Deaf. The school kept its history by preserving “Indians” memorabilia in the Betty S. Fine Museum on campus, while moving forward with Bison as the new identity.

Mini FAQ

1. What is OSD’s mascot right now?
   The current Oklahoma School for the Deaf mascot is the Bison.

2. What was the old OSD mascot?
   OSD was previously known as the Indians, a name and imagery the school has now formally retired out of respect for Indigenous communities.

3. Why Bison?
   Bison are native to the Sulphur area and were strongly favored in community voting over other suggested animals.