Grassroots Movement Pursuing Ban on Native American Mascots, Logos
Recently a local Madison newspaper ran an interesting story on a grass roots movement in Wisconsin to ban public schools from using Native American mascots, logos, or nicknames.
The article reported that, while the number of schools across the nation that have dropped or altered mascots and logos have increased over the years, not one state has passed a law banning usage of Native American mascots, logos, or nicknames to date.
Currently, lawmakers in Wisconsin are trying to pass a bill that would change this reality. The bill would create a process for people to complain about race-based logos, nicknames or mascots. Once a complaint was filed, the state Department of Public Instruction would hold a hearing and make a decision. If the Superintendent of Public Instruction ruled the complaint was valid, the school would have tweleve months to phase out the mascot or logo. And defiance would come at a high cost – a school could be fined between $100 and $1,000 a day for refusing to phase out the offensive mascot, logo, or nickname.
Because cultural competency is increasing, and knowledge of Native American history is expanding, some mascots and logos that once were viewed as entertaining are now considered racist and disrespectful. If even a small group of people find a mascot or logo to be offensive, it should be remove or phased out immediately. Cultural respect is far more important that maintaining imagery for the sake of entertainment; moreover, it is incredibly important to be culturally sensitive if we are to progress as a society that embraces diversity.
A legislative hearing on the bill is scheduled for March 17. The bill would have to pass both houses of the Legislature and be signed by the governor to become law. Native American educators and legislators have also started mobilizing and collaborating with the Wisconsin group in charge of the grassroots effort to support the movement, which they believe is important in making a positive change in the way Native Americans are portrayed in schools and in the community. It will be interesting to see if this bill is passed, and if it is, if it has a nationwide effect.
