Schools Use of
Native American mascots
Report
to the
State Board of Education
Susan Castillo Superintendent of Public Instruction
March 8, 2012
EXECUTIVESUMMARY
InOregon,fifteenhighschoolshaveAmericanIndianmascotstheseracebasednicknamesare theWarriors,theBraves,theChieftains,theIndians,ortheIndianEagles.Inall cases,theschoolsandcommunitiesbelievetheyarerespectfullyhonoringNativeAmericans.To suggestthatsuchimagesmaybeoffensiveriskscommunityoutrage:communitymembers believetheyareunfairlybeingchargedwithbeingdisrespectfulorracist.Theverytopicinvites passiononbothsidesandisdivisive. WhilethecommunitiesofthesehighschoolsbelievetheyarehonoringNativeAmericans,there isagrowingbodyofsocialscienceliteratureandempiricalresearchthatindicatesthereare harmfuleffectsofsuchracialstereotypingandinaccurateracialportrayals.Thesestereotypes areparticularlyharmfultothesocialidentitydevelopmentandselfesteemofAmericanIndian youngpeople.ResearchindicatesthatusingNativeAmericansasmascotspromotes discrimination,pupilharassment,andstereotyping. TheOregonStateBoardofEducationhasbeengiventheresponsibilitybytheOregon Legislatureinstatestatutetoensurethatpersonsarenotsubjectedtounlawfuldiscrimination inourpublicschoolsonthebasisofrace,color,religion,sex,sexualorientation,nationalorigin, maritalstatus,ageordisability.NativeAmericanstudentsarealsoentitledtoaneducational environmentthatisnothostileandisconducivetotheattainmentofeducationalgoals.The boardhasaresponsibilitytoconsidertheresearchandweighthisagainstthecommunitys desiretomaintainitstraditions. Sincethe1970s,20OregonhighschoolshavechangedtheirIndianrelatednicknamesand mascots.OregonscommunitycollegesanduniversitieshavediscontinuedtheuseofIndian mascots.TheOregoniandoesnotprintnamessuchastheBraves,Redskins,andRedmen. SuperintendentCastillorecommendstheboardthoughtfullyconsidertheissuefromall perspectives.Ideally,theseconversationswouldoccuratthecommunitylevel,buttraditions andthepassiontheyevokecanmakethisdifficult. Recommendations: 1. Adoptaresolutiontobedistributedtopublicschoolsthatdescribestheissuesrelatingto NativeAmericanmascots. 2. Adoptanadministrativerulethatprohibitspublicschoolsfromusingnames,symbolsor imagesthatdepictorrefertoanAmericanIndianTribe,custom,ortraditionasamascot, nickname,logo,orteamname. 3. Tomitigatecostsandtoallowdistrictsadequatetimetoadoptnewmascots,allowpublic schoolsfiveyearstocompletethemascotadoptionprocess. 4. Giveschooldistrictsfreedomtousetheirownprocessestoselectandadoptnewmascots.
Native American Mascots March8,2012
5. Specificallyseekinputontheruleandresolutionfromthoseschooldistrictswhohavebeen identifiedinthisreportashavingNativeAmericanmascotsandfromothergroupssuchas theOregonSchoolBoardsAssociation. 6. Theruleandresolutionshouldbeconsideredthroughaprocessthatallowsforpublicand opendiscussions.
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Schools use of Native American Mascots
INTRODUCTION
SchoolsbeganusingNativeAmericannamesandimagesbetweenthe1930sandthe1950s. Manyofthefirstmascotswerecartoonishcaricaturesthathaveevolvedintomoredignified depictions.However,sincetheearly1970s,therehasbeenamovementtoeliminateNative Americanteamnames,mascots,andlogosaltogether. ResearchsupportsthatusingaNativeAmericanasamascotpromotesdiscrimination.The AmericanPsychologicalAssociation(APA)1hascalledfortheretirementofallAmericanIndian mascots,symbols,images,andpersonalitiesbyschools,colleges,universities,athleticteamsand organizations.TheAmericanSociologicalAssociationhascalledfortheeliminationoftheuseof NativeAmericannicknames,logos,andmascotsinsports.Manynewspaperswillnotprintthe nameofsuchmascots,includingTheOregonian.TheNationalCollegiateAthleticAssociation stoppedrecognizingIndianmascotsin1998.Anumberoforganizationshavecalledonschools withIndianmascotstodiscontinuetheiruse. WhatAbouttheVikings?TheCeltics?TheFightingIrish? OnequestionthatfrequentlyarisesindiscussionsofeliminatingNativeAmericanmascotsis whethermascotsaredifferentfromotherethnicallybasedmascots.Akeydifferenceisthat NativeAmericansrepresentaraceofpeople,notanethnicorpoliticalsubgroupofarace,such astheSpartans.2 Thehistoricalexperiences,status,andpoliticalpowerthatcanbeattributedtoAmericanIndian peopleversusindividualsofEuropeandescentarealsovastlydifferent.Irishand Scandinavians,forinstance,areofEuropeanheritageandpartofthenumericallylarge, dominatewhiteAmericansociety.Moreover,IrishAmericansarethesecondlargestsubgroup inthecountryandtherearemoreAmericansofIrishdescentthanthereareIrishinIreland. ThesamecannotbesaidforAmericanIndianpeoplewhobelongtoahistoricallypersecuted, disenfranchisedgroupwhosetotalnumberscomposelessthanonepercentofthenational population.3
ThispageisareprintoftheAPApositionfoundat:http://www.apa.org/pi/oema/resources/indianmascots.aspx The2010Censusrecognizedthefollowingracialcategories:White;Black,AfricanAmericanorNegro;Americanor AlaskanNative;AsianIndian;Chinese;Filipino;Japanese;Korean;Vietnamese;NativeHawaiian;Guamanianor Chamorro;Samoan;OtherPacificIslander;OtherAsian.http://www.prb.org/Articles/2009/questionnaire.aspx
1 2
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/00000.html
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OftenschoolsthathavechosenIrishmascotshavecommunitieswithlargeIrishpopulations. AnexampleofthisisNotreDame,whichusesanimaginarycharacterasitsmascot(a leprechaun),thatwasforyearsahistoricallyIrishCatholicuniversitywhoseadministration, staff,andstudentbodywerelargelyIrishCatholic.Inotherwords,thisschoolcomposedof manypeopleofIrishheritagedecideduponanicknamerelatingtotheirownethnicity.The samecannotbesaidforthevastnumberofschoolsusingIndianthemedlogos,symbols, mascots,andnicknames.AsregardstoCeltics,SpartansandVikings,thesetypesofmascots describeethnicgroupsthathavedisappearedhundredsofyearsago. SometimescomparisonsaremadebetweenNativeAmericanmascotsandvocationmascotslike Cowboys,Lumberjacks,andCheesemakers.However,suchcomparisonsarenotsimilar. Anyonecantheoreticallychoosetheirownvocationbutnoonehasasayintheirownrace.This isonereasonthatstateandfederallawsprohibitdiscriminationinpublicschoolsbasedonrace butnotbasedonvocation. NativeAmericanMascotsasaMethodofIncorporatingNativeCultureinSchools SomepeoplearguethatNativeAmericanmascotsreflectandincorporateNativeAmerican historyandcultureintothepublicschoolsettingandthatNativeAmericanmascotsfocuson bravery,courage,andfightingskillsratherthananythingderogatory. Someschoolsdomakeanefforttoportraytheireducationalinstitutionsmascotinwhatthey believeisadignifiedandrespectfulmanner.Regrettably,eveninsuchinstancestherearethings beyondtheschoolscontrolthatcangetoutofhand.Thereareoftenfansandplayersonboth sidesoftheplayingfieldwhoinsistonwearingwarpaintorfeatheredheaddresses,who shoutethnicrelatedslogansorslursanddisplayrelatedsignsandlogos.Statementsthatare usedbyrivalteamsincludewordssuchaskilltheIndians.Thesekindsofslogansandslurs cancreateahostileeducationalenvironmentforNativeAmericanstudentsandservetodisrupt theireducation. SomepeoplehavealsoarguedthatNativeAmericanmascotsreflectthehistoryofthelocal area.However,areviewofmanyOregonNativemascotsusedinpublicschoolsrevealedthat manymascotsportrayedageneric,stereotypicalIndian,acartoonIndianoraNativeAmerican tribefromoutsideofOregon.AdditionallymascotsoftendonotreflectlocalNativeAmerican cultureandtraditions. TheresearchofStephanieFrybergrefutestheclaimthataslongasthedepictionsarerespectful thatnoharmresultsintheiruse.ShefoundthatAmericanIndianmascotshavenegative consequencesbecausetherearerelativelyfewalternatecharacterizationsandassuch,are powerfulcommunicatorsastohowAmericanIndiansshouldlookandbehave.Mascotsremind
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AmericanIndiansofthelimitedwayinwhichothersseethem,andthisinturnmaylimitthe numberofwaysinwhichAmericanIndianscanseethemselves.4
USEOFINDIANMASCOTSINOREGON
InAprilof2006,OregonIndianEducationAssociation(OIEA)adoptedaresolutiontobanthe useofallNativeAmericanmascotsforsportsevents.Thisresolutionsupportedactionalready takenbytheNationalCongressofAmericanIndiansandNationalYouthCouncil. InDecember2006,CheButler,accompaniedbyhissisterLuhuiWhitebear(bothmembersofthe SiletztribeandmembersofOIEA),testified5beforetheStateBoardofEducation.CheButler presentedargumentsinsupportoftheOIEAresolutionanddescribedanumberofincidentshe founddisturbingconcerningschoolsuseofNativeAmericanmascots: InIllinois,Nativedollswerehungfromtreesandbalconieswhenarivalteamwitha Nativemascotwasintown. InArizona,ScalptheIndianswaschalkedinlargelettersonthelawnwhenarival teamwithaNativemascotwasintown. InSouthDakotastudentswearTheSiouxSuckshirtsandchantthissayingwhile playingarivalteamwithaNativemascot. TheNewYorkPosthasheadlinessuchasTribeonWarpathandTaketheTribeand ScalpEmwhentheNYYankeesplaytheClevelandIndians. HighschoolspostScalptheIndianswhenplayingrivalteams. Oftenthedisrespectofthemascotcomesnot fromthestudentsandstaffataschoolthathas adoptedthemascot,butteamscompeting againsttheschool. Mr.Butlerpointedoutthatnativepeopleare theonlyraceoflivingpeopleusedasmascots inprofessionalsports.Henotedthatnoneof theseotherimages(right)wouldbeseenas acceptablebythepublic. Mr.Butlerurgedtheboardtoexaminethe
Fryberg,Stephanie,etal.OfWarriorChiefsandIndianPrincesses:ThePsychologicalConsequencesofIndianMascots. BasicandAppliedSocialPsychology.2008. http://sitemaker.umich.edu/daphna.oyserman/files/frybergmarkusoysermanstone2008.pdf 5Manyoftheslideshavebeenusedinthispaper.ToseethecompletepresentationscrolltoSchoolMascotsC. Butler),http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=846
4
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issueandconsiderabanonsuchimages. Inresponsetothepresentation,SuperintendentSusanCastilloformedanadvisorycommitteeto lookintotheissue.MembersincludedschoolsuperintendentsofdistrictsthatusedIndian mascots,aswellasrepresentativesfromtheOregonCivilRightsCommission,theOregon SchoolsActivitiesAssociation,theConfederationofSchoolAdministrators,theOregon EducationAssociation,andindividualsrepresentingbroadbasedNativeAmericangroups. Theadvisorycommitteeheldthreemeetingsover2007.Thecommitteerecommendedthe following: SchoolseliminatetheuseofNativeAmericanmascotsandlogosreceivingstatefunding. SchoolseducateallstudentsaboutNativeAmericanstereotypinganditsnegativeeffects. Schoolsuseculturallyaccurateeducationmaterials,curriculum,andresources.
NATIVEAMERICANMASCOTS&IMAGERYINOREGON&OREGONSCHOOLS
NopubliccollegesoruniversitiesinOregonuseNativeAmericansasmascots. In1980,SouthernOregonUniversityendedatraditionbegunin1950whenitsmascots,theRed Raiders,weredepictedasIndianchiefs.SOUchangedtheirmascotnametotheRaiders,anda nativebirdsymbolwasused.6
In1998,ChemeketaCommunityCollegedroppeditsChiefsnicknameandselectedStorm foritsnewname.7 Sincethe1970s,20OregonhighschoolshavechangedtheirIndianrelatednicknamesand mascots.8 TheDepartmentofEducationhasidentified15Oregonpublichighschools9thatusesomeform ofNativeAmericannameorimage:
http://www.nativevillage.org/Messages%20from%20the%20People/timeline%20for%20Indian%20Mascots.htm Ibid. 8Ibid. 9(www.osaa.org/)
6 7
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AmityHighSchool:Warriors BanksHighSchool:Braves LebanonHighSchool:Warriors MohawkHighSchool:Indians MolallaHighSchool:Indians NorthDouglasHighSchool:Warriors OakridgeHighSchool:Warriors PhilomathHighSchool:Warriors ReedsportHighSchool:Braves RoseburgHighSchoolchanged RogueRiverHighSchool:Chieftains itssymbolfromadepictionofa RoseburgHighSchool:Indians NativeAmericantoafeather. ScappooseHighSchool:Indians SiletzValleySchool:Warriors TheDallesWahtonkaHighSchool:EagleIndians WarrentonHighSchool:Warriors ImagesofthemascotscanbefoundinAppendixC. In2005,theschoolboardinEnterpriseHighSchoolvotedtoapprovethestudentbodysrequest tohavethenickname,SavagesandmascotchangedtoOutlawsafter80yearsofSavage tradition.SuperintendentBradRoysecreditedstudentsforthisleadership.10 WhiletheNationalCollegiateAthleticAssociationstoppedrecognizingIndianmascotsin1998, statingthatsuchstereotypicaldepictionsdonotcomplywithNCAAscommitmenttoethnic studentswelfare,11theOregonStudentActivitiesAssociationhasnottakenasimilarstand. In2001,SenateBill488wasenactedandprohibitedthetermsquawingeographicplace names,suchasSquawCreek.Thiswasinresponsetotherelativelynewunderstandingthatthe termwaspejorative.Atthattime,Oregonhadover100placenamesthatcontainedtheword squaw,includingnumerouscreeks,lakes,andmountainsaswellasacitystreetinSalem. Maine,Montana,Minnesota,andOklahomahadenactedsimilarlegislation. Manynewspaperswillnotprintthenameofsuchmascots,includingTheOregonian;since1993, theOregonianhasnotprintednamessuchastheBraves,Redskins,andRedmen.Atthetime, managingeditorPeterThompsonstated,...wehaveconcludedthatwewillnotbeapassive
OregonhighschoolscrapsSavagenickname,mascot(5/5/2005),retrievedonAugust31,2011,from http://findarticles.com/p/newsarticles/columbianvancouverwash/mi_8100/is_20050505/oregonschoolscraps savagenickname/ai_n51307398/,byAP,originallyreportedinColumbia,Vancouver,Wash. 11http://www.nativevillage.org/Messages%20from%20the%20People/timeline%20for%20Indian%20Mascots.htm
10
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participateinperpetratingracialorculturalstereotypesinourcommunitywhetherbytheuse ofnicknamesorinanyotherway.12(Seeeditorialinfavorofprohibition,AppendixH)
NATIONALPERSPECTIVE
In2001,theUnitedStatesCommissiononCivilRightscalledforanendtotheuseofNative AmericanimagesandteamnamesbynonNativeschools.TheCommissionconcludedthat [t]hesereferences,whethermascotsandtheirperformances,logos,ornames,aredisrespectful andoffensivetoAmericanIndiansandotherswhoareoffendedbysuchstereotypingandare particularlyinappropriateandinsensitiveinlightofthelonghistoryofforcedassimilationthat AmericanIndianpeoplehaveenduredinthiscountry.13 Sincetheearly1970s,morethan600highschooland collegeteamshavestoppedusingNativeAmericanteam "Thisisahumanrightsissue;weare beingdeniedthemostbasicrespect.As namesormascots,thoughnoprofessionalsportsteamin longasourpeopleareperceivedas theUnitedStateshasfollowedsuit.Thereareatleast117 cartooncharactersorstaticbeingslocked AmericanIndian,educational,psychological,sociological, inthepast,oursocioeconomicproblems civilrightsandreligiousorganizationsthatareofficially willneverbeseriouslyaddressed.Also, opposedtoracebasedathleticnicknamesormascots.14 thisissueofimageryhasadirect correlationwithviolenceagainstIndian peopleandthehighsuiciderateofour AbandoningtheuseofIndianmascotscontinuesthe youth." recognitionthatsuchimageryandnamesareoffensive.In MichaelS.Haney(Seminole) 2005,theNCAAprohibitedthedisplayofhostileand abusiveracial/ethnic/nationaloriginmascots,nicknamesorimageryatanyofthe88NCAA championshipsandthefollowingyear,prohibitedschoolswithhostileorabusivemascots, nicknamesorimageryfromhostinganyNCAAchampionshipcompetitions.15 InMay,2010,WisconsinenactedAct250.Underthislaw,schooldistrictboardshavethe burdenofprovingbyclearandconvincingevidencethattheuseofthenicknameorteamname inconnectionwiththelogoormascotdoesnotpromotediscrimination,pupilharassment,or stereotypingasdefinedbythestatesuperintendentbyrule.16
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2209&dat=19920217&id=P4NKAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5pMMAAAAIBAJ&pg=30 41,3572775 13ConnecticutLawReview.Volume40,Number1.November2007. http://www.law.uconn.edu/system/files/private/Native%20American%20Team%20Names%20and%20Mascots.pdf 14Ibid. 15www.ncaasports.com
12
16
http://indianmascots.com/position_statement/position_statement.htm
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In1999,Nebraskapassedaresolutionrequestingthatallinstitutionshalttheuseofracebased symbolsandmascots.In2003,MichigansStateBoardofEducationpassedaresolution recommendingtheeliminationofAmericanIndianmascots,nicknames,logos,fightsongs, insignias,antics,andteamdescriptorsbyallMichiganschools.In2005,Tennessees CommissionofIndianAffairspassedaresolutiontodiscontinuetheuseofNativeAmerican Indianmascots. TheUnitedMethodistChurchconsiderstheuseofIndianmascotsthepracticeablatant expressionofracism.17 TheNationalConferenceforCommunityandJustice(formerlytheNationalConferenceof ChristiansandJews)applaudsthenumerousschools,districts,collegesanduniversities... thathavechangedtheirnames,mascots,symbolsandrituals,andcallsfortheeliminationof suchpracticesfromallsportsteams.18 TheUnitedChurchofChristwhichsaidAsChristians,wemustchallengetheuseofNative Americansascaricatures,andinsteadhonorallhumanbeingsasbeingcreatedintheimageand likenessofGod(Genesis1:27).ThePresbyterianChurchwhich...directtheStateClerkto writetouniversities,colleges,andschoolsthatuseNativeAmericanimagery...urgingthemto developaprocesstochooseanewname,logo,and/ormascotfortheteam...19 TheAmericanJewishCommitteewhichdeploresandopposestheuseofracialorethnic stereotypesinthenames...of...sport(teams).20 AdditionallyagrowinglistoforganizationsendorseretiringtheuseofIndiansportsteam mascots.(SeeAppendixEforacompletelist.)
PSYCHOLOGICALEFFECTONSTUDENTS
ResearchoverwhelminglysupportsthatusingaNativeAmericanasamascotpromotes discrimination;theuseofamascotpromotesharassment;andtheuseofamascotpromotes stereotyping.
http://www.gcorr.org/site/c.mwKWJ9NTJtF/b.3416631/k.5ABB/Native_American_Mascots.htm http://www.und.edu/org/bridges/nccj.html 19http://www.ucc.org/justice/racism/negativestereotyping.html 20http://aistm.org/american_jewish_committee.htm
17 18
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AmericanPsychologicalAssociation In2005,theAmericanPsychologicalAssociation(APA)21calledfortheimmediateretirementof allAmericanIndianmascots,symbols,images,andpersonalitiesbyschools,colleges, universities,athleticteamsandorganizations.APAspositionisbasedonagrowingbodyof socialscienceliteraturethatshowstheharmfuleffectsofracialstereotypingandinaccurate racialportrayals,includingtheparticularlyharmfuleffectsofAmericanIndiansportsmascots onthesocialidentitydevelopmentandselfesteemofAmericanIndianyoungpeople.(Fora completelistofresearchonwhichtheAPAbaseditsresolution,seeAppendixG). TheuseofAmericanIndianmascotsassymbolsinschoolsanduniversityathleticprogramsis particularlytroublingbecauseschoolsareplacesoflearning.Thesemascotsareteachingstereotypical, misleadingandtoooften,insultingimagesofAmericanIndians.Thesenegativelessonsarenotjust affectingAmericanIndianstudents;theyaresendingthewrongmessagetoallstudents. FormerAPAPresidentRonaldF.Levant,EdD AccordingtotheAPA,researchhasshownthatthecontinueduseofAmericanIndianmascots, symbols,images,andpersonalitieshasanegativeeffectonnotonlyAmericanIndiansstudents butallstudentsby: Underminingtheeducationalexperiencesofmembersofallcommunitiesespecially thosewhohavehadlittleornocontactwithIndigenouspeoples.Thesymbols,images andmascotsteachnonIndianchildrenthatitsacceptabletoparticipateinculturally abusivebehaviorandperpetuateinaccuratemisconceptionsaboutAmericanIndian culture. EstablishinganunwelcomeandoftentimeshostilelearningenvironmentforAmerican Indianstudentsthataffirmsnegativeimages/stereotypesthatarepromotedin mainstreamsociety. UnderminingtheabilityofAmericanIndianNationstoportrayaccurateandrespectful imagesoftheirculture,spirituality,andtraditions.ManyAmericanIndiansreportthat theyfindtodaystypicalportrayalofAmericanIndianculturedisrespectfuland offensivetotheirspiritualbeliefs. PresentingstereotypicalimagesofAmericanIndians. Creatingacontemporaryexampleofprejudicebythedominantcultureagainstracial andethnicminoritygroups. CreatingaformofdiscriminationagainstAmericanIndianNationsthatcanleadto negativerelationsbetweengroups.
21
ThispageisareprintoftheAPApositionfoundat:http://www.apa.org/pi/oema/resources/indianmascots.aspx
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Weknowfromtheliteraturethatoppression,covertandovertracism,andperceivedracism canhaveseriousnegativeconsequencesforthementalhealthofAmericanIndianandAlaska native(AIAN)people.ThediscontinueduseofAmericanIndianmascotsisagesturetoshow thatthiskindofracismtowardandthedisrespectof,allpeopleinourcountryandinthelarger globalcontext,willnotbetolerated,saidDr.LisaThomas,APACommitteeonEthnicand MinorityAffairs. Toeradicatethehurtfulpresenceofstereotypical imagingofAmericansIndians,theAmerican "Native mascots and symbols are all that the PsychologicalAssociationencouragedcontinued kids at school know about my people, and researchonthepsychologicaleffectsthatthese they make fun of me for following traditional mascots,symbols,images,andpersonalitieshaveon ways. These fake images make me feel sick AmericanIndianscommunitiesandothers;and inside. They make fun of who I am. They AmericanPsychologicalAssociationiscallingupon imitate and mock our sacred feathers, allpsychologiststospeakoutagainstracismandtake dance and music. We honor our leaders, not proactivestepstopreventtheoccurrenceof use them as entertainment." intolerantorracistactsandrecommendsthe immediateretirementofAmericanIndiansmascots, Wayne, 12 years old (Shoshone-Bannock ) from Butlers presentation symbols,images,andpersonalitiesbyschools, colleges,universities,athleticteams,and organizations. TheAmericanSociologicalAssociation In2007,theAmericanSociologicalAssociationcalledfortheeliminationoftheuseofNative Americannicknames,logos,andmascotsinsports,andstated,inpart,Recentsocialscience researchandscholarshiphaveshownthatthecontinueduseofNativeAmericannicknames, logos,andmascotsinsportsreflectsandreinforcesmisleadingstereotypesofNativeAmericans inbothpastandcontemporarytimes.Suchusagealsocommunicatesimplicitdisrespectfor spiritualandculturalpractices.IncontinuingwithASAsmissiontoeradicateracism,ASAcalls forthediscontinuationandeliminationoftheuseofNativeAmericannicknames,logos,and mascotsinsports. ResearchStudies ThecontroversialtopicofNativeAmericanmascotshasreceivedsignificantattentionforthe past40years.Themajorityofthisattentionhasbeeninthemedia,notresearchbased.Thetopic ofAmericanIndian(AI)mascotshasreceivedagreatdealofscrutinyandthemajorityofthis attentionhasbeennonempirical.(Farnell,2004;King&Springwood,2000,2001a,2001b; Pewewardy,1999,2004;Roppolo,2003;Spindel,2002;Springwood,2004;Staurowsky,2004, 2007;Vanderford,1996;Wenner,1993.) Page12
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TwosetsofstudieshaveempiricallyexaminedthenegativeeffectsofNativeAmericanmascots. BothstudiesfoundthatNativeAmericanyouthexposedtostereotypicalNativeAmerican images(e.g.,ChiefWahoo)experienceddecreasedselfesteemcomparedtoyouthnotexposed totheseimages.Theyalsofoundthatexposure(versusnoexposure)toNativeAmericansports mascotsresultedinlowerachievementrelatedexpectanciesinNativeAmericanstudents. Dr.StephanieFryberg,UniversityofArizona,conductedfivestudies(threewithAmerican Indianstudents,onewithEuropeanAmericanstudents,andonecontentanalysisofthemedia) thatexaminedthepsychologicalimpactofsocialrepresentationsonAmericanIndians.22 AccordingtoDr.Fryberg,suchmascotsappeartohaveanegativeimpactontheselfesteemof NativeAmericanchildren.AmericanIndianmascotsareharmfulnotonlybecausetheyare oftennegative,butbecausetheyremindAmericanIndiansofthelimitedwaysinwhichothers seethem.ThisinturnrestrictsthenumberofwaysAmericanIndianscanseethemselves. Dr.FrybergdeterminedthatexposuretoAmericanIndianathleticidentities: LowerstheselfesteemofNativeAmericanstudents,reducesNativeAmericanstudents beliefthattheircommunityhasthepowerandresourcestoresolveproblems(community efficacy),andreducesthenumberofachievementrelatedfuturegoalsthatNativeAmerican studentsseeforthemselves. BooststheselfesteemofEuropeanAmericanstudents. ParticularlyaffectsNativeAmericanstudentswhosupporttheuseofthesesymbolssince theyexperiencesignificantlygreaterpsychologicalharmthandoNativeAmericanstudents whoopposetheuseofracebasednicknames,logos,andmascots. Hasthesamepsychologicalimpactwhethertheimageisrespectfuloradistasteful caricature. Whynotchangeothermascots,theVikings,orCeltics? Research23producedbyDr.JohnChaney,Dr.AmandaBurke,andDr.EdwardBurkleyreached thisconclusion: EmpiricalexaminationsofAmericanIndian(AI)mascotshaveonlyrecentlyenteredintothe discourseofmainstreampsychology.ThepresentstudiesexaminedimplicitattitudesofnonAI peopletowardsAImascotsandtheextenttowhichtheyarerelatedtoattitudestowardsAI people.SignificantconcordancewasobservedbetweennegativebiastowardAImascotsandAI
22 23
http://sitemaker.umich.edu/daphna.oyserman/files/frybergmarkusoysermanstone2008.pdf
http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/PublicHealth/research/centers/CAIANH/journal/Documents/Volume %2018/18(1)_Chaney_AI_Mascots_People_new.pdf
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people.NegativeAImascotbiasalsopredictedstereotypeconsistentexpectationsofanAIperson. Theimplicationsofthesefindingsarediscussed. Anexcerptfromtheirpaper: Thepresentstudiesprovideempiricalevidenceofnegativeimplicitattitudinalbiastowardboth AImascotsandAIpeople.Indeed,ourdatarevealedconsistenttendenciesonthepartof participantstodemonstraterobustnegativeimplicitbiasestowardAImascots,relativeto Caucasianmascots(Study1and2),eveninthepresenceoffavorableexplicitevaluationofAI mascots(Study2).Further,theresultsindicatedthatAIpersonbiasaccountedforasignificant portionoftheobservedbiastowardsAImascots.Whereaspreviousresearchhashighlightedthe potentialnegativeimpactofthesemascotsonAIpeople(Frybergetal.,2008),thepresentdata areuniquebecausetheyempiricallydemonstratethatatanimplicitlevel,nonAIpeopledonot perceiveAImascotsaspositiverepresentationsofAIpeople.Ourfindingthatnegative stereotypebiastowardsAImascotspredictedstereotypingofanAIpersonalsosuggeststhat negativeattitudinalbiasestowardsthesemascotimageshavemeaningfulsocialimplications.
POLICIESTHATSUPPORTABANOFNATIVEAMERICANMASCOTS
In1964,CongresspassedtheCivilRightsAct.TheU.S.DepartmentofEducationstates,Title VIoftheCivilRightsActof1964prohibitsdiscriminationbasedonrace,color,ornational origininprogramsoractivitiesreceivingfederalfinancialassistance.Allfederalagenciesthat providedgrantsofassistancearerequiredtoenforcetheTitleVIregulation.Accordingto WisconsinsThePupilNondiscriminationGuidelinesforAthletics,Discussionsofrace discriminationinathleticshave,mostrecently,centeredontheuseofAmericanIndianlogos, nicknames,symbols,andimages.Underfederallaw,mostcomplaintsallegethatAmerican IndianmascotsandlogosviolateTitleVIoftheCivilRightsActof1963.24 AsreportedintheConnecticutLawReview,InMarchof1994,theU.S.DepartmentofEducation adoptedguidelinesallowingittowithholdfundsfromaschoolthatmaintainsahostile environment.ThisregulationwouldtheoreticallyallowtheDOEtowithholdfundsfroma schoolwhoseNativeAmericanmascotcreatedahostileenvironment.Applicationofthe regulationispremisedontheideathataschoolsuseofNativeAmericannamesorimagery couldsignalthattheschoolimplicitlyorexplicitlyendorsesraciallyharassingconduct. Therefore,enforcementunderthehostileenvironmentstandardwouldlookatwhetherthe
ThePupilNondiscriminationGuidelinesforAthletics:ImplementingSection118.13oftheWisconsinStatutesand PI9oftheWisconsinAdministrativecode,retrievedonAugust30,2011,from http://dpi.wi.gov/sped/pdf/athletics.pdf
24
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useofthemascotissufficientlysevere,pervasive,orpersistentsoastointerferewitha studentsabilitytoparticipateinorbenefitfromtheschoolsservices. TheU.S.DepartmentofEducationstatesthatitsmissionistopromotestudentachievement andpreparationforglobalcompetitivenessbyfosteringeducationalexcellenceandensuring equalaccess.Oneofitsfourmajorareasofactivitiesisenforcementoffederallawsprohibiting discriminationinprogramsthatreceivefederalfunds.
LEGALAUTHORITY
ThereisnotcurrentlyanOregonstatuteorrulethatspecificallyaddressesmascotsinpublic schools.However,thelegalauthorityfortheStateBoardofEducationandschooldistrictsto takeactiontoprohibitNativeAmericanMascotsiswellsupportedbyseveralstatelaws. StateBoardauthoritytoadoptrules: TheStateBoardofEducationisdirectedbystatelawtoestablishpoliciesfortheadministration andoperationofOregonspublicelementaryandsecondaryschools.25Theboardalsohasbroad authoritytoadoptrulesforthegeneralgovernanceofOregonspublicschools.26Theadoption ofrulesprohibitingorregulatingtheuseofanytypeofmascot,includingNativeAmerican mascots,ispursuanttothisstatutorygrantofauthority. Statelawalsoprohibitsdiscriminationinpublicschoolsthatunreasonablydifferentiates treatment,intendedorunintended,oranyactthatisfairinformbutdiscriminatoryin operation,eitherofwhichisbasedonrace,color,religion,sex,sexualorientation,national origin,maritalstatus,ageordisability.27TheStateBoardisspecificallydirectedtoestablish rulesnecessarytoensurecompliancewithOregonsnondiscriminationlaws.28Theadoptionof rulesprohibitingorregulatingtheuseofracebasedmascots,includingNativeAmerican mascots,alsoispursuanttothisstatutorydirective. Schooldistrictresponsibilities: Inadditiontothestatutoryprohibitionsonschooldistrictsrelatingtodiscrimination: (1)TheLegislativeAssemblyhasfoundthat: (a)Asafeandcivilenvironmentisnecessaryforstudentstolearnandachievehighacademic standards. (b)Harassment,intimidationorbullyingandcyberbullying,likeotherdisruptiveorviolentbehavior, areconductthatdisruptsastudentsabilitytolearnandaschoolsabilitytoeducateitsstudentsinasafe
ORS326.011. ORS326.051. 27ORS659.850(1). 28ORS659.850(3).
25 26
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environment. (c)Studentslearnbyexample. (2)TheLegislativeAssemblycommendsschooladministrators,faculty,staffandvolunteersfor demonstratingappropriatebehavior,treatingotherswithcivilityandrespect,refusingtotolerate harassment,intimidationorbullyingandrefusingtotoleratecyberbullying.29 Pursuanttothesefindings,eachschooldistrictisdirectedtoadoptapolicythatprohibits harassment,intimidationorbullyingandprohibitingcyberbullying.30Therequirementsalso highlightspecificallyharassment,intimidation,bullyingandcyberbullyingthatisracebasedor basedonotherprotectedclasses.ManyNativeAmericanstudentsexperienceharassment, intimidation,andbullyingduetoNativeAmericanmascots.Andtheseincidentsarenotlimited tojustthoseschoolsthathaveNativeAmericanmascots. NativeAmericanshavereportedtoOregonDepartmentofEducationrepresentativesthatitis notuncommonforrivalteamstomakestatementssuchaskilltheIndiansorscalpthe IndiansandforphysicalactionstobetakenagainsttheimageofaNativeAmericanmascot. Althoughschooldistrictssometimesattempttolimitthiskindofactivity,NativeAmerican studentsarestillsubjectedtoracialslurs.NativeAmericanshavealsoreportedthatNative studentsatabasketballgamerecentlyheardkillthesquawsshouted.Thetermsquaw, originatingfromanAlgonquinwordforfemaleanatomy,isderogatory,aracialslur,andas such,offensivetoOregonians,IndianandnonIndianalike.31Theteamthatthewordwas beingusedagainsthadaNativeAmericanmascot. Manyofthesetypesofactionsmeetthedefinitioninstatelawofharassment,intimidationor bullying.ORS339.351providesthefollowingdefinitions: (1)Cyberbullyingmeanstheuseofanyelectroniccommunicationdevicetoharass,intimidate orbully. (2)Harassment,intimidationorbullyingmeansanyactthat: (a)Substantiallyinterfereswithastudentseducationalbenefits,opportunitiesorperformance; (b)Takesplaceonorimmediatelyadjacenttoschoolgrounds,atanyschoolsponsoredactivity,on schoolprovidedtransportationoratanyofficialschoolbusstop; (c)Hastheeffectof: (A)Physicallyharmingastudentordamagingastudentsproperty; (B)Knowinglyplacingastudentinreasonablefearofphysicalharmtothestudentordamageto thestudentsproperty;or (C)Creatingahostileeducationalenvironment,includinginterferingwiththepsychological
ORS339.353(1). ORS339.356(1). 31QuotedfromSJR3(2001).TheOregonLegislatureenactedSB488in2001whichprohibitedtheuseoftheword squawasageographicdesignation.
29 30
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wellbeingofastudent;and (d)Maybebasedon,butnotbelimitedto,theprotectedclassstatusofaperson. (3)Protectedclassmeansagroupofpersonsdistinguished,orperceivedtobedistinguished,by race,color,religion,sex,sexualorientation,nationalorigin,maritalstatus,familialstatus,sourceof incomeordisability.32 ItisreasonabletoconcludethataNativeAmericanstudentwhofrequentlyhearswordsand seesviolentactionstakenagainstNativeAmericanimageswouldhavefearofphysicalharm. Alsobeingsubjectedthesekindsofverbalassaultscreatesahostileeducationalenvironment andinterfereswiththepsychologicalwellbeingthestudent.UnderOregonlaw,schooldistricts aredirectedtopreventandaddressthiskindofharassment,intimidation,andbullying.
COSTSTOSCHOOLDISTRICTS
Therearearangeofcoststhatareassociatedwithchangingaschoolmascot.Itisdifficultto identifyacostforeachdistrictatthestatelevelasthesecostswillvarywidelyfromdistrictto district.Mascotstypicallyappearinschoolsinavarietyofplacessuchasgymnasiums, uniforms,trophycases,signs,schoolnewspapers,andwebsites.Formanyschoolsthemascotis notprominent.Areviewoftypicalschooluniformsindicatedthatmanyschooluniformsdonot includethemascotimage,teamname,orboth. In2007,RoseburgPublicSchoolsSuperintendentLeePatersonpresentedacostestimatetothe NativeAmericanMascotAdvisoryCommitteeof$345,650ifRoseburgHighSchoolchangedits nicknamefromtheIndians.Todate,Roseburghaschangeditsmascottothefeatherbuthasnot changeditsnicknamefromtheIndians.Itisuncertainifthecostpresentedin2007alsoincluded thecostofchangingtothefeather.Additionally,Roseburgisthelargestoftheschoolsthat currentlyhaveNativeAmericanmascots.Itisanticipatedthatsmallerschoolswillhavefewer mascotimagesandthereforethecostsofreplacementwillbeless. Forexample,EnterpriseschooldistrictchangedtheirmascotfromtheSavagestotheOutlaws. Thedistrictindicatesthatthecostofthischangewas$15,000to$20,000.Thedistrictindicates thatthechangetookmorethansixyearsandincludedthestudentbodychoosinganewmascot. Somespecificcostsidentifiedbyotherdistrictsare: Gymnasiumtotalresurfacing:$30,000to$40,000 Schooluniforms:$60to$150 Schoollogoredesign:$0to$20,000
32
ORS 339.351
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Althoughsomeofthesecostsarenormallyincurredbyschooldistrictswithoutachangein mascots.Forexample,schooluniformsarereplacedperiodically.Additionally,costscouldbe mitigatedbyextendingthetimeperiodforadoptionofanewmascot.Thiswouldallowschool districtstimetoplanforthechangeandtheabilitytoincorporatechangesintoroutine purchasesmadebythedistrict. LitigationCosts Anotherpossiblecostidentifiedforthosedistrictsthathavenotchangedtheirmascotisthe potentialcostoflitigation.Additionally,rivaldistrictsmayalsofacecomplaintsifahostile educationalenvironmenthasbeencreatedforNativeAmericanstudentsbasedonstatements madeaboutanotherschoolsmascot. Someoutofstateschooldistrictshavehadlawsuitsorothertypesofcomplaintsfiledagainst thedistrict.Asidentifiedinothersectionsofthisreportthereareseveralstateandfederalcivil rightslawsunderwhichapersonmayfileacomplaintagainstadistrictwhohasaNative Americanmascot.Insuchanevent,adistrictcouldincurattorneyfees,penalties,damages,or thewithholdingofStateSchoolFundmoniesdependingontheparticularlawunderwhichthe complaintwasfiledandwhetherthecomplainantprevailed.
RECOMMENDATION
ThediscontinueduseofNativeAmericanmascotsdoesnotalsodiscontinuetheinclusionof NativeAmericanhistory,language,andcultureinschoolcurriculum.Forexample,themost recentsocialscienceacademiccontentstandardsadoptedbytheStateBoardofEducationon August15,2011includeNativeAmericanhistoryandculture.33Oregonlawalsospecifically encouragesandallowsfortheteachingofAmericanIndianlanguagesinpublicschools.34 TheOregonStateBoardofEducationhasbeengiventheresponsibilitybytheOregon Legislatureinstatestatutetoensurethatpersonsarenotsubjectedtounlawfuldiscrimination inourpublicschoolsonthebasisofrace,color,religion,sex,sexualorientation,nationalorigin, maritalstatus,ageordisability.TheboardhasanobligationtoensurethatNativeAmerican studentsarenotsubjectedtodiscriminationthatunreasonablydifferentiatestreatment, intendedorunintended,oranyactthatisfairinformbutdiscriminatoryinoperationbasedon race.NativeAmericanstudentsarealsoentitledtoaneducationalenvironmentthatisnot hostileandisratherconducivetoattainmentofeducationalgoals.Basedonnationalresearch andthestoriesofindividualNativeAmericans,theSuperintendentconcludesthatthe
33 34
http://www.ode.state.or.us/teachlearn/subjects/socialscience/standards/adoptedsocialsciencesstandards82011.pdf ORS342.144
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continueduseofNativeAmericanmascotscreatesahostileeducationalenvironmentatboth thoseschoolswhohavethemascotsandotherschools. TheSuperintendentalsorecognizesthefinancialcoststhatsomeschoolswillincurasaresultof changingtheirmascots.Additionally,itiscriticalthatlocalcommunitiesdiscussandbecome involvedintheprocessofselectingandembracinganewmascot.Ideallytheselectionofanew mascotwouldincludeadiscussionintheschoolandcommunityabouttheimportanceof educatingallstudentsaboutNativeAmericanhistoryandculture. TheSuperintendentrecommendsthattheboardconsidertheissuefromallperspectives. Ideally,theseconversationswouldoccuratthecommunitylevelbutthepassioncommunity membersfeelabouttheirtraditionscanmakethisdifficult. TheSuperintendentrecommendsthattheOregonStateBoardofEducationdothefollowing: 1. Adoptaresolutiontobedistributedtopublicschoolswhichdescribestheissuesrelating toNativeAmericanmascots. 2. Adoptanadministrativerulewhichprohibitspublicschoolsfromusingnames,symbols orimagesthatdepictorrefertoanAmericanIndianTribe,custom,ortraditionasa mascot,nickname,logoorteamname. 3. Tomitigatecostsandtoallowdistrictsadequatetimetoadoptnewmascots,allow publicschoolsfiveyearstocompletethemascotadoptionprocess. 4. Giveschooldistrictsfreedomtousetheirownprocessestoselectandadoptnew mascots. 5. Specificallyseekinputontheruleandresolutionfromthoseschooldistrictswhohave beenidentifiedinthisreportashavingNativeAmericanmascotsandfromothergroups suchastheOregonSchoolBoardsAssociationandtheninefederallyrecognizedNative AmericanTribesinOregon,IndianAffairsCommission. 6. Theruleandresolutionshouldbeconsideredthroughaprocessthatallowsforpublic commentandanopendialogue.
CONCLUSION
ThereexistsanextensivebodyofknowledgeandcredibleresearchthatNativeAmerican symbolsasmascots,logos,andteamnamespromotestereotypingandpupilharassment;little ornocredibleevidenceexiststhatcontradictssuchevidence. ThereasonableresponseoftheOregonStateBoardofEducation,whohasbeengiventhe responsibilitybytheOregonLegislatureinstatestatutetoensurethatpersonsarenotsubjected tounlawfuldiscriminationinourpublicschoolsonthebasisofrace,color,religion,sex,sexual orientation,nationalorigin,maritalstatus,ageordisabilityistoadoptaresolutionor Page19
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administrativerulethateliminatestheuseofNativeAmericanmascotsandlogosbyallschools whichreceivesstatefundinginOregon.
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Native American Mascots March8,2012 AppendixA:HistoryofIndianMascots35
Forthelast43years,activistsandspecialinterestgroupshavebeenworkingtowards eliminatingstereotypesfoundinmediathatnegativelyportrayIndigenousPeoplesofthe UnitedStates.MostitemsinfollowingtimelinewereretrievedfromtheAmericanIndian SportsTeamMascotswebsiteonJuly5,2011. Years Item 1968 NationalCongressofAmericanIndians(NCAI)beginscampaigntoaddress stereotypesfoundinmedia. 19691980 CollegesanduniversitiessuchasDartmouthCollege,Stanford,andSouthern OregonUniversitydroppedIndiansportsteamnicknameandlogos. 1989 CharleneTeters,anative,graduatestudent,beganeffortstoeliminatemascot, ChiefIlliniwek,atUniversityofIllinoisatUrbana.(In1997,herworkwas featuredinadocumentarycalledInWhoseHonor.) 1991 TheNebraskaCommissiononIndianAffairsrequests27publicschoolsinthat statetoendtheiruseofAmericanIndianmascotsandnicknames. 1991and TheNationalEducationAssociation(NEA),thelargestdemocraticeducation 1992 organizationofitskindintheworld,passesresolutions(1991and1992) denouncingtheuseofethnicrelatedsportsteammascots,symbolsand nicknames. 1992 TheOregonianannouncesitwillnolongerusethewordRedskinsandseveral otherAmericanIndianrelatedtermsinprint. 1993 NationalCongressofAmericanIndiansissuesaresolutionwhichdenouncesthe useofanyAmericanIndiannameorartificeassociatedwithteammascots. Resolution#MIDGB58 1994 TheStateofWisconsinDepartmentofPublicInstructionissuesdirective stronglyurgingallWisconsinschoolsusingAmericanIndianrelatedmascots todiscontinuesuchuses. AsshowofappreciationforchangingIndianmascot,ParkHighSchoolin CottageGrove,MN,received$10,000fromPrairieIslandMdewakantonSioux Community. Morecolleges,universities,andhighschoolsacrossthenationchangetheir Indianmascotsandnicknames. 1997 JayRosensteinsdocumentary,InWhoseHonor(airedonPBS)highlights effortstoeliminateChiefIlliniwekmascot. MinorLeagueCantonAkronIndiansrenamethemselvestheAerosand boosttheirsalesofmerchandisefrom$60Kto$1.2million.
35
Most items of timeline (1968-2002) retrieved on July 5, 2011 from Chronology, American Indian Sports Team Mascots,www.aistm.org
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Item ChemeketaCommunityCollegedropsChiefnicknameandselectsStormfor itsnewone.Since1970s,20highschoolsinOregonhavealsochangedtheir Indianrelatednicknamesandmascots. MinorityOpportunitiesandInterestsCommitteeoftheNationalCollegiate AthleticAssociation(NCAA)conclude,IndianmascotsthatpromoteIndian caricaturesandmimicceremonialritesdonotcomplywiththeNCAAs commitmenttoethnicstudentwelfare. 1999 Alandmarkvictoryconcludesalegalbattlebegunin1992asathreejudgepanel oftheU.S.PatentandTrademarkOfficerulesthatthetermRedsk*nisaterm disparagingtoNativeAmericansandtendstobringthemintocontemptor disrepute.ThedecisionhasthepotentialtostriptheWashingtonNFLteamof trademarkprotections. 20002001 Inits2000and2001sessions,theNationalEducationAssociationpasseda resolution,whichreaffirmedits1991and1992Resolutionsdenouncingtheuseof ethnicrelatedmascots,nicknamesandsymbols.TheNationalEducation Association(NEA)isthelargestdemocraticeducationorganizationofitskindin theworld. 2001 Inanewsrelease,theUnitedStatesCommissiononCivilRightscallsforanend totheuseofNativeAmericanimagesandteamnamesbynonNativeschools.36 TheSeminole,Cherokee,Choctaw,Chickasaw,andMuskogeeNations, representingover400,000peoplethroughouttheUnitedStates,passeda resolutiontoeliminatethestereotypicaluseofAmericanIndiannamesand imagesasmascotsinsportsandothereventsandtoprovidemeaningful educationaboutrealAmericanIndianpeople,currentAmericanIndianissues, and,therichvarietyofAmericanIndianculturesintheU.S.37 2002 NewHampshireStateBoardofEducationunanimouslyapprovedaresolution callingforlocalschooldistrictstostopusingAmericanIndiansportsmascots. 2003 TheMichiganStateBoardofEducationpassesaresolutionthatsupportsand stronglyrecommendstheeliminationofAmericanIndianmascots,nicknames, logos,fightsongs,insignias,antics,andteamdescriptorsbyallMichiganschools. 2005 TheAmericanPsychologicalAssociationcalledforimmediateretirementofall AmericanIndianmascots,symbols,imagesandpersonalitiesbyschools,colleges, universities,athleticteamsandorganizations. 2006 April5,2006 CheButlergivespresentationtoOIEABoard,Portland April7,2006 CheButlergivespresentationtoOIEAgeneralmembershipat theOIEAAnnualConference,Portland
36 37
Years 1998
Retrieved on August 31, 2011 from http://www.usccr.gov/press/archives/2001/041601st.htm Retrieved on August 31, 2011 from http://www.und.edu/org/bridges/itcfct.html
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Years Item May12,2006 CheButlergivespresentationatOIEAYouthConference, ConfederatedTribesofUmatillaIndianReservation Dec.7,2006 CheButlerandLuhuiWhitebeargivepresentationatthe OregonStateBoardofEducationmeeting,Salem Dec.7,2006 NativeAmericanMascotAdvisoryCommitteeisformed April3,2007 OIEABoardvotestoforwardtheNativeAmericanMascot resolutiontotheOIEAGeneralMembership,LincolnCity April5,2007 OIEAGeneralMembershippassestheNativeAmerican MascotResolution,LincolnCity June12,2007 1stmeetingoftheNativeAmericanMascotAdvisory Committee,Salem July17,2007 2ndmeetingoftheNativeAmericanMascotAdvisory Committee,Salem Aug.21,2007 3rdmeetingscheduledfortheNativeAmericanMascot AdvisoryCommittee,Salem38 OnOctober23,theAdvisoryCommitteemetalongwithschooldistrictsin Oregon,whichhaveIndianmascots.Thesuperintendentalsosoughtaresponse fromTribalnationsinOregon.39 AWisconsinstatelawallowsschooldistrictresidentstolodgecomplaintsagainst racebasednames.Districtscanarguethatanameisntdiscriminatoryiftheyhave atribesapproval.40 TheUniversityofNorthDakotaisdirectedtoretireitsFightingSiouxnickname andlogo.NCAAapprovesofUNDsplantochangeitsnicknamebytheendof 2011.41
2007
2010
2011
ChronologyprovidedbyBradVictor,IndianSpecialist,OregonDepartmentofEducation,fromdraftnewsrelease ofJuly20,2007. 39(12/12/2007)Castillo,S.(correspondenceaddressedtoMascotAdvisoryCommitteeMembersandStakeholder) availableathttp://oiea.org/docs/Mascot%20Letter%20121207.pdf 402009WisconsinAct250,retrievedonAugust31,2011fromhttp://indianmascots.com/documents/Act%20250%20 %20Web.pdf 41NCAAwinsfightoverNorthDakotasFightingSioux,retrievedonAugust31,2011from http://indianmascots.com/documents/Act%20250%20%20Web.pdf
38
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Native American Mascots March8,2012 AppendixB:Legislation/Policies
State
Michigan
Year
2003
Mechanism
Resolution
Proposal
TostronglyrecommendeliminationofAmericanIndian mascots,nicknames,logos,fightsongs,insignias,antics, andteamdescriptorsbyallMichiganschools,byState BoardofEducation Torequestthatallinstitutionshaltuseofracebased symbolsandmascots42 TostudyuseofAmericanIndianMascotsatpublic schools43 TodiscontinueuseofNativeAmericanIndianmascotsin StateofTennessee44 Toallowforresidentstofilecomplaintsforuseofrace basedname,nickname,logo,ormascotbyfiling complaintwithstatesuperintendentofpublic instruction45 TobanNativeAmericanteammascotsfrompublic schoolswasdefeated46 TorequireallColoradoprimarypublicschoolsand charterswithNativeAmericanmascotsgetapprovalfrom stateCommissionofIndianAffairs,changemascotby 2013orface$1,000monthlyfine47 Toprohibituseofraciallyderogatoryordiscriminatory schoolorathleticteamnames,mascots,ornicknamesby OklahomaPublicSchools48
Outcome
Passed
Nebraska
1999
North Carolina Tennessee
2011 2005
Resolutionby Commissionon IndianAffairs HouseBill681 Resolutionby Commissionof IndianAffairs Act250
Passed
Passed Passed
Wisconsin
2010
Passed
California Colorado
2002 2010
AB2115 SB10107
Notpassed Postponed indefinitely
Oklahoma
2009
SenateBill765 OklahomaAnti Discriminatory MascotsAct
Pending authorship
ResolutionoftheNebraskaCommissiononIndianAffairs,Res.#992,retrievedonAugust31,2011from http://www.aistm.org/nebres.htm 43StudyofAmericanIndianMascotsatSchools,retrievedonAugust31,2011from http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2011/Bills/House/PDF/H681v1.pdf 44ResolutionfortheDiscontinuationofNativeAmericanIndianMascotsintheStateofTennessee,retrievedonAugust31,2011from http://www.tncia.org/mascots.html 452009WisconsinAct250,enactedMay5,2010;retrievedonAugust31,2011from http://indianmascots.com/documents/Act%20250%20%20Web.pdf 46BillNumber:AB2115Amended,retrievedonAugust31,2011fromftp://leginfo.public.ca.gov/pub/0102/bill/asm/ab_2101 2150/ab_2115_bill_20020501_amended_asm.html 47Mascots,retrievedonAugust31,2011from http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheader=application%2Fpdf&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhe re=1251683620430&ssbinary=true 48BillTrackingReports,retrievedonAugust31,2011fromhttp://newlsb.lsb.state.ok.us/advancedsearchform.aspx
42
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AppendixC:NativeAmericanMascotsinOregon (TheremaybeadditionalschoolsthatuseNativeAmericanmascotsthatarenotincludedinthis Appendix)
Mascot and District Mission/Vision
1. AmityWarriors Mission/Vision:AmityHighSchoolprovidesanenvironmentthat encouragesrespect,communityinvolvementandfostershigh academicachievementinthespiritofcooperation.Studentsare valuedasindividualsandencouragedandsupportedtoreachtheir highestlevelofsuccess. 2. BanksBraves Mission/Vision:BanksSchoolDistrictwillenablestudentstoreach theirfullpotentialwhilegivingthemthesocialandacademic frameworkthatwillallowthemtosuccessfullycompetewithall studentsintheStateofOregon. 3. LebanonWarriors Mission:Inpartnershipwiththecommunityweprovide exceptionalopportunitiestocontinuouslyandrigorouslychallenge allstudentstoexcelaslearners,thinkers,andleaders. 4. MohawkIndians,Marcola,OR Mission:Toprovideallstudentswiththeabilitytoapplyacquired knowledge,skills,andpositiveattitudestobecomeproductive membersofachangingglobalsocietythroughcomprehensive programswhichpromoteexcellenceinsocial,academic,and technicaleducationinvolvingeducators,parents,andallother segmentsofthecommunity 5. MolallaIndians Mission/Vision:Achieveexcellencethroughcollaborationanda commitmenttoteachingandlearning.
Mascot
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Native American Mascots March8,2012 Mascot and District Mission/Vision
6. NorthDouglasWarriors Mission/Vision:Acommunityworkingtogether,dedicatedto educationalexcellence:preparingstudentsforthechallengeof todayandinspiringavisionoftomorrow. 7. OakridgeWarriors Mission/Vision:TheBoardofEducationsubscribescompletelyto thebeliefthatallstudentshaveequalrightsandarecapableof learning.Theserightsconveyanequalresponsibilityonthepartof eachstudenttoassistincreatingandmaintaininganeducational climateconducivetolearningandassuretherightsandwellbeing ofthestudentandothers. 8. PhilomathWarriors Mission:Notfoundonline
Mascot
9. ReedsportBraves Mission:Notfoundonline
10. RogueRiverChieftains: Mission/Vision:ThemissionofRogueRiverHighSchoolisto provideasafe,positiveatmospherewhereindividualsareinspired, accepted,supported,andchallengedinanengaging,creative environment.StaffandStudentswillberespectedandheld accountableforimprovingourcommunitywhilebeingencouraged totakeownershipofalleducationalexperiences. 11. RoseburgIndians Mission/Vision:ThemissionofDouglasCountySchoolDistrict4, anorganizationcommittedtoservingadiversestudentpopulation undergoingsignificantsocialandeconomictransition,istoprepare youthtoconfidently,responsiblyandcreativelycontributetoa changingglobalsocietybyprovidingallstudentsapersonalized andappropriateeducationsupportedbymeaningfulschool communitypartnerships. Page26
Native American Mascots March8,2012 Mascot and District Mission/Vision
12. ScappooseIndians AdministrationGoal:Thepurposeofadministrationistohelp createandfosteranenvironmentinwhichstudentscanlearnmost effectively. 13. SiletzWarriors Mission:Createanurturingenvironmentthatencouragesaloveof learning,motivatesstudentstoreachtheirfullpotential,and providesopportunitiestoachievehappinessandacademic,social andculturalsuccess. 14. NorthWascoCountySchoolDistrictTheDallesWahtonka HighSchoolEagleIndians MissionandGoal:Providefoundationalskillsthatencouragelife longlearningandpositivecitizenship.Provideasafeeducational environment. 15. WarrentonWarriors Mission/Vision:TheWarrentonHammondSchoolDistrictstrives toproduceproductivecitizenswhocanachieveacademic excellence,modelintegrity,aswellasrespectauthorityandone another.
Mascot
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Native American Mascots March8,2012 AppendixD:Resources
AmericanIndianSportsTeamMascots.(2011).Retrievedfromhttp://aistm.org/fr.chronology.htm Adyanthaya,A.(2005,June5).Sports,mascots,andNativeAmericans.Retrievedfrom http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2005/06/05/sports_mascots_and_native_a mericans/ Barnes,C.M.(2001,September).AnimalsaremascotsSeminoleIndiansaresymbols.Retrievedfrom http://www.fsu.edu/~fstime/FSTimes/Volume7/sep01web/2sep01.html Brovsky,C.D.(2010,January29).LegislatorsfumeoverNativeAmericanmascots.Retrievedfrom http://www.coloradostatesman.com/content/991564legislatorsfumeovernativeamericanmascots Bustillo,M.(2002,May29).BilltobanIndianmascotsisblocked.Retrievedfrom http://articles.latimes.com/2002/may/29/local/memascot29 Fenelon,J.(1997).Symbolicracism:ChiefWahooandtheClevelandIndians.Retrievedfrom http://aistm.org/symbolic.racism.htm HouseBill681,Initials.(2011).StudyofAmericanIndianmascotsatschools..Retrievedfrom http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2011/Bills/House/PDF/H681v1.pdf NativeAmericannicknames/mascots.(2005,June2).Retrievedfrom http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/153383/nativeamerican_nicknamesmascots/index.html NationalCaucusofNativeAmericanStateLegislators,Initials.(2011,January21).Statesmovetoprohibit offensiveteammascots.Retrievedfrom http://www.nativeamericanlegislators.org/Lists/News%20and%20Announcements/DispForm.aspx?ID=39 NebraskaCommissiononIndianAffairs,Initials.(1999,April19).Resolution#992.Retrievedfrom http://www.aistm.org/nebres.htm Pewewardy,C.D.(2004).PlayingIndianathalftimethecontroversyoverAmericanIndiansmascots,logos, andnicknamesinschoolrelatedevents.TheClearingHouse,77(5),180185. STAR.(20022003).NativeAmericanchildrenrecognizemediastereotypes.Retrieved fromhttp://www.racismagainstindians.org/STARArticle/NativeAmericanChildrenRecognizeMediaStereotyp es.htm STAR.(20022003).Psychologicalconsiderations.Retrievedfrom http://www.racismagainstindians.org/STARArticle/PsychologicalConsiderations.htm StateofMichiganStateBoardofEducation.(2011,June26).UseofAmericanIndianmascots,nicknamesandlogos. Retrievedfromhttp://www.michigan.gov/documents/mascots_69612_7.res.pdf TennesseeCommissionofIndianAffairs,(2005).ResolutionforthediscontinuationofNativeAmericanIndian mascotsinthestateofTennesseeMemphis,TN:Retrievedfromhttp://www.tncia.org/mascots.html Wieberg,S.(2005,August23).NCAAallowingFloridastatetouseitsSeminolemascot.Retrievedfrom http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/20050823fsumascotapproved_x.htm
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Native American Mascots March8,2012 AppendixE:ListofOrganizationsEndorsingRetirementofIndianSportsTeamTokens http://aistm.org/fr.groups.htm
AdvocatesforAmericanIndianChildren(California) TheAffiliatedTribesofNorthwestIndians AmericanCounselingAssociation(added02/12/02) AmericanIndianMentalHealthAssociation(Minnesota) AmericanIndianMovement AmericanIndianOpportunitiesIndustrializationCenterofSanBernardinoCounty AmericanIndianStudentServicesattheOhioStateUniversity AmericanJewishCommittee AmericanPsychologicalAssociation AmericanSociologicalSociety AsianAmericanJournalistsAssociation AssociatedStudentsCouncilofSanDiegoStateUniversity AssociationonAmericanIndianAffairs BRIDGESBuildingRoadsIntoDiverseGroupsEmpoweringStudents BuncombeCountyNativeAmericanIntertribalAssociation(NorthCarolina) CalvertInvestmentGroup CenterforArtisticRevolution(CAR)(NorthLittleRock,AR) CenterfortheStudyofSportsinSociety CincinnatiZapitistaCoalition COLORCommunityOneLoveOneRace CommitteetoEndCulturalGenocide(St.CloudStateUniversity) ConcernedAmericanIndianParents(Minnesota) CouncilforIndigenousNorthAmericans(UniversityofSouthernMaine) EagleandCondorIndigenousPeoples'Alliance FontanaNativeAmericanIndianCenter,Inc. Governor'sInterstateIndianCouncil GrandTraverseBandofOttawaandChippewaIndians(Michigan) GreaterTulsaAreaIndianAffairsCommission GreatLakesInterTribalCouncil GunLakeBandofPotawatomiIndians(Michigan) HONORHonorOurNeighborsOriginsandRights HutchinsonHumanRelationsCommission IllinoisStateUniversityStudentGovernmentAssociation InterEthnicChildren'sCouncil(LosAngeles) InterFaithCouncilonCorporateResponsibility(ICCR) InterTribalCounciloftheFiveCivilizedTribes (ComposedoftheChoctaw,Chickasaw,Muskogee(Creek),Cherokee,andSeminoleNations) JuaneoBandofMissionIndians Page29
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KansasAssociationforNativeAmericanEducation LatinoChildren'sActionCouncil(LosAngeles) LeagueofUnitedLatinAmericanCitizens LittleRiverBandofOttawaIndians MarylandCommissiononIndianAffairs MascotAbuseSanFranciscoBayArea MedicineWheelIntertribalAssociation MenomineeTribeofIndians(Wisconsin) MichiganCivilRightsCommission MichiganEducationAssociation StateofMichigan,StateBoardofEducation MinnesotaIndianEducationAssociation MinnesotaStateCollegesandUniversitiesBoard MinnesotaStateBoardofEducation ModernLanguageAssociation MorningStarInstitute NAACP NationalAssociationofBlackJournalists NationalAssociationofHispanicJournalists NationalCoalitiononRacisminSportsandtheMedia NationalConferenceofChristiansandJews NationalConferenceforCommunityandJustice NationalCongressofAmericanIndians NationalEducationAssociation NationalIndianEducationAssociation NativeAmericanCaucusoftheCaliforniaDemocraticParty NativeAmericanIndianCenterofCentralOhio NativeAmericanJournalistsAssociation NebraskaCommissiononIndianAffairs NewHampshireStateBoardofEducation NewYorkStateEducationDepartment NottawaseppiHuronBandofPotawatomi(Michigan) NorthAmericanSocietyfortheSociologyofSport NorthCarolinaCommissionofIndianAffairs NorthDakotaIndianEducationAssociation NorthDakotaStateUniversityStudentSenate OfficeofNativeAmericanMinistry,DioceseofGrandRapids(Michigan) OhioCenterforNativeAmericanAffairs OneidaTribeofIndiansofWisconsin OregonIndianEducationAssociation(notonwebpagebuthasalsoendorsedeliminationofNative Americanmascots) Page30
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PresbyterianChurch,U.S.A. ProgressiveResource/ActionCooperative RainbowCoalition SanBernardino/RiversideCountiesNativeAmericanCommunityCouncil StudentsMakingAllRacesTolerant(SMART) SocietyofIndianPsychologistsoftheAmericas SouthernCaliforniaIndianCenter SouthernChristianLeadershipConference St.CloudStateUniversityAmericanIndianCenter SaultSte.MarieTribeofChippewaIndians StandingRockSiouxTribe TennesseeChapteroftheNationalCoalitionforthePreservationofIndigenousCultures TennesseeCommissionofIndianAffairs TennesseeNativeVeteransSociety UnifiedCoalitionforAmericanIndianConcerns,Virginia UnitarianUniversalistAssociationofCongregations UnitedChurchofChrist TheUnitedIndianNationsofOklahoma UnitedMethodistChurch UnitedStatesCommissiononCivilRights VirginiaAmericanIndianCulturalResourceCenter WesternNorthCarolinaCitizensforanEndtoInstitutionalizedBigotry WisconsinIndianEducationAssociation WIEA"Indian"MascotandLogoTaskforce(Wisconsin) WisconsinStateHumanRelationsAssociation WoodlandIndianCommunityCenterLansing(Michigan) Youth"Indian"MascotandLogoTaskforce(Wisconsin)
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Native American Mascots March8,2012 AppendixF
APA Resolution Recommending the Immediate Retirement of American Indian Mascots, Symbols, Images, and Personalities by Schools, Colleges, Universities, Athletic Teams, and Organizations WHEREAS the American Psychological Association has recognized that racism and racial discrimination are attitudes and behavior that are learned and that threaten human development (American Psychological Association, June 2001); WHEREAS the American Psychological Association has resolved to denounce racism in all its forms and to call upon all psychologists to speak out against racism, and take proactive steps to prevent the occurrence of intolerant or racist acts (American Psychological Association, June 2001); WHEREAS the continued use of American Indian mascots, symbols, images, and personalities undermines the educational experiences of members of all communities-especially those who have had little or no contact with Indigenous peoples (Connolly, 2000; U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 2001; Society of Indian Psychologists, 1999; Webester, Loudbear, Corn, & Vigue, 1971); WHEREAS the continued use of American Indian mascots, symbols, images, and personalities establishes an unwelcome and often times hostile learning environment for American Indian students that affirms negative images/stereotypes that are promoted in mainstream society (Clark & Witko, in press; Fryberg, 2003; Fryberg & Markus, 2003; Fryberg, 2004a; Munson, 2001; Society of Indian Psychologists, 1999; Staurowsky, 1999); WHEREAS the continued use of American Indian mascots, symbols, images, and personalities by school systems appears to have a negative impact on the self-esteem of American Indian children (Chamberlin, 1999; Eagle and Condor Indigenous Peoples Alliance, 2003; Fryberg, 2004b; Fryberg & Markus, 2003; Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs, 2001; Society of Indian Psychologists, 1999; The Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes, 2001; Vanderford, 1996); WHEREAS the continued use of American Indian mascots, symbols, images, and personalities undermines the ability of American Indian Nations to portray accurate and respectful images of their culture, spirituality, and traditions (Clark & Witko, in press; Davis, 1993; Gone, 2002; Rodriquez, 1998; Witko, 2005); WHEREAS the continued use of American Indian mascots, symbols, images, and personalities presents stereotypical images of American Indian communities, that may be a violation of the civil rights of American Indian people (Dolley, 2003; King, 2001; King & Springwood, 2001; Pewewardy, 1991; Springwood & King, 2000; U. S. Commission on Civil Rights, 2001); WHEREAS the continued use of American Indian mascots, symbols, images, and personalities is a form of discrimination against Indigenous Nations that can lead to negative relations between groups (Cook-Lynn, 2001; Coombe, 1999; U. S. Commission on Civil Rights, 2001; Witko, 2005); WHEREAS the continued use of American Indian symbols, mascots, images, and personalities is a detrimental manner of illustrating the cultural identity of American Indian people through negative displays and/or interpretations of spiritual and traditional practices (Adams, 1995; Banks, 1993; Nuessel; 1994; Staurowsky, 1999; Witko, 2005); WHEREAS the continued use of American Indian mascots, symbols, images, and personalities is disrespectful of the spiritual beliefs and values of American Indian nations (Churchill, 1994; Gone, 2002; Sheppard, 2004; Staurowsky, 1998); WHEREAS the continued use of American Indian mascots, symbols, images, and personalities is an offensive and intolerable practice to American Indian Nations that must be eradicated (U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 2001; Society of Indian Psychologists, 1999);
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WHEREAS the continued use of American Indian mascots, symbols, images, and personalities has a negative impact on other communities by allowing for the perpetuation of stereotypes and stigmatization of another cultural group (Fryberg, 2004b; Gone, 2002; Staurowsky, 1999; U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 2001); THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Psychological Association recognizes the potential negative impact the use of American Indian mascots, symbols, images, and personalities have on the mental health and psychological behavior of American Indian people; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Psychological Association encourages continued research on the psychological effects American Indian mascots, symbols, images, and personalities have on American Indian communities and others; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Psychological Association encourages the development of programs for the public, psychologists, and students in psychology to increase awareness of the psychological effects that American Indian mascots, symbols, images, and personalities have on American Indian communities and others; AND THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Psychological Association supports and recommends the immediate retirement of American Indian mascots, symbols, images, and personalities by schools, colleges, universities, athletic teams, and organizations. References Adams, D.W. (1995). Education for extinction: American Indians and the boarding school experience. Lawrence, KS: University Press of Kansas. American Psychological Association (June 2001). An emergency action of the Board of Directors: Resolution against racism and in support of the goals of the 2001 United Nations World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance. Washington, DC: Author. [Available online: http://www.apa.org/pi/racismresolution.html.] Banks, D. (1993). Tribal names and mascots in sports. Journal of Sport and Social Issues, 17(1), 5-8. Chamberlin, J. (1999). Indian Psychologists Support Retiring of Offensive Team Mascots. APA Monitor, 30 (4). Clark, R. & Witko, T. (in press). Growing up Indian: Understanding urban Indian adolescents. In American Psychological Association (in press). No Longer Forgotten: Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Urban Indians. Washington, DC: Author. Churchill, W. (1994). Indians are us? Culture and genocide in native North America. Monroe, ME: Common Courage Press. Connolly, M. R. (2000). Whats in a name? A historical look at Native American related nicknames and symbols at three U.S. universities. Journal of Higher Education 71 (5), 515-547. Cook-Lynn, E. (2001). Anti-Indianism in North America: A voice from Tatekeyas earth. Urbana, IL: University of Illinois Press. Coombe, R. J. (1999). Sports trademarks and somatic politics: Locating the law in critical cultural studies. In R. Martin & T. Miller (Eds.). SportCult (pp. 262-288). Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press. Davis, L. (1993). Protest against the use of Native American mascots: A challenge to traditional, American identity. Journal of Sport and Social Issues 17 (1), 9-22. Dolley, J. (2003). The four rs: Use of Indian mascots in educational facilities. Journal of Law and Education, 32 (1), pp. 21-35.
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Eagle and Condor Indigenous Peoples Alliance (2003). Resolution by the Eagle and Condor Indigenous Peoples Alliance on Eliminating Native American Indian Descriptions Naming Mascots, Logos, and Sports Team Nicknames in Oklahoma Public Schools. [Available On-line: http://www.aistm.org/2003ecipa.htm.] Fryberg, S. A. (June, 2003). Free to be me? The impact of using American Indians as mascosts. Invited address at the 16th Annual Convention of American Indian Psychologists and Psychology Graduate Students, Utah State University, Logan, Utah. Fryberg, S. A. & Markus, H. R. (2003). On being American Indian: Current and possible selves. Journal of Self and Identity, 2, 325-344. Fryberg, S. A. (November, 2004a). Dude, Im honoring you: The impact of using American Indian mascots. Invited address at the North American Society for Sociology of Sports, Tucson, Arizona. Fryberg, S. A. (June, 2004b). American Indian social representations: Do they honor or constrain identities? Invited address at the Mellon Humanities Center Workshop/Research Institute for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity network, How do identities matter? Stanford University, Stanford, California. Gone, J. P. (2002). Chief Illiniwek: Dignified or damaging? In T. Straus (Ed.), Native Chicago (2nd ed., pp. 274-286). Chicago, IL: Albatross. Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes (2001). The Five Civilized Tribes Intertribal Council Mascot Resolution. [Available On-line at: http://aistm.org/2001.civilized.tribes.htm.] King, C. R. (2001). Uneasy Indians: Creating and contesting Native American mascots at Marquette University. In C.R. King & C. F. Springwood (Eds.). Team spirits: Essays on the history and significance of Native American mascots (pp. 281-303). Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press. King, C.R., & Springwood, C.F. (2001). Beyond the cheers: Race as spectacle in college sports. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press. Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs (2001). Resolution of the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs. [Available Online at: http://aistm.org/maryland.resolution.2001.htm.] Munson, B. (2001). Tolerance in the news. [Available On-line at: http://www.tolerance.org/news/article_tol.jsp?id=169.] Nuessel, F. (1994). Objectionable sports team designations. Names: A Journal of Onomastics 42, 101-119. Pewewardy, C. D. (1991). Native American mascots and imagery: The struggle of unlearning Indian stereotypes. Journal of Navaho Education, 9(1), 19-23. Rodriquez, R. (1998). Plotting the assassination of Little Red Sambo: Psychologists join war against racist campus mascots. Black Issues in Higher Education, 15(8), 20-24. Sheppard, H. Assembly: No redskins---Ban on name advances to Senate. Los Angeles Daily, 2004 [Available On-line at: http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200~20954~1923795,00.] Society of Indian Psychologist (1999). Position statement in support of retiring all Indian personalities as the official symbols and mascots of universities, colleges, or schools (and athletic teams). [Available On-line at: http://www.aics.org/mascot/society.html.] Springwood, C. F. & King, C. R. (2000). Race, power, and representation in contemporary American sport. In P. Kivisto & G. Rundblad (Eds.), The color line at the dawn of the 21st century (pp. 61-174). Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Valley Press.
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Staurowsky, E. (1999). American Indian imagery and the miseducation of America. Quest, 51 (4), 382 392. [Available Online at: http://www.aistm.org/staurowsky.miseducation.htm.] Staurowsky, E. (1998). An Act of Honor or Exploitation?: The Cleveland Indians Use of the Louis Francis Socalexis Story. Sociology of Sports Journal, 15, 299 316. U. S. Commission on Civil Rights (April 13, 2001). Statement of U.S. Commission on Civil Rights on the use of Native American images and nicknames as sports mascots. [Available On-line: http://www.aics.org/mascot/civilrights.html.] Vanderford, H. (1996). Whats in a name? Heritage or hatred: The school mascot controversy. Journal of Law and Education, 25, 381-388. Webster, S. Loudbear, P., Corn, D., & Vigue, B. (1971, February 17). Four MU Indian students describe Willie Wampum as racist symbol. The Marquette Tribune, p. A9. Witko, T. (2005). In whose honor: Understanding the psychological implications of American Indian mascots. California Psychologist, January Issue.
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Native American Mascots March8,2012 AppendixG:OregonIndianEducationAssn.Resolution
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Native American Mascots March8,2012 AppendixH:OregonianEditorial
Safeguard team spirit, and say it loud and proud
Published: Thursday, February 23, 2012, 5:23 PM Updated: Friday, February 24, 2012, 10:10 PM
By The Oregonian Editorial Board
In 1981, Blake Carlsen graduated from Enterprise High School, fiercely proud of being an Enterprise ... Well, we're not going to say what he was. The school's nickname 31 years ago is still deeply offensive to Native Americans. In 1992, The Oregonian was among the first newspapers in the country to stop publishing "sports team nicknames, logos or mascots widely considered to dehumanize minority groups." Today, Carlsen is principal of Enterprise High, proud home -- and we have no trouble saying this one -- of the Enterprise Outlaws. Although that change happened seven years ago, for some in the community, embers of anger still glow. Indeed, some Enterprise residents will go to their graves feeling a part of their identity was yanked away. Carlsen is in as good a position as anyone to advise other principals about how turbulent a name change can be. But, he notes, it's really the adults who are still smarting. The kids? "The kids made the transition just fine from one name to the other," the principal says. "They just want to have spirit for their team." Admittedly, what increased acceptance of this change is that Enterprise students themselves originated it. The student body voted for it. They own it. There's an important lesson in this for the many schools around the state that are still hesitating. Deep down, surely, they know they should have changed their names and logos long ago. They can start by naming a student task force to examine the issue. Then bring in tribal and other community speakers to debate it and illuminate it. Many people just aren't aware of the racism and the painful history -- involving near-destruction of some Native American tribes -- casually embedded in such hurtful words and symbols. As The Oregonian's Jerry Ulmer reported recently, Oregon high schools -- from Amity to Warrenton -continue to cling to the past, despite the urgings of an Oregon Department of Education advisory committee six years ago to move forward. The committee called for mascot names to be abolished by September 2009 and images to be removed from schools by September 2011 -- deadlines that the schools have blown right by. Since mere recommendations have not sufficed, the next logical step could be some kind of mandate. If that is necessary, then so be it. The state Board of Education will be discussing this March 8 and March 9. And the board needs to find a way to impress on Oregon schools that these changes are not voluntary. They need to happen. True, some situations may call for exceptional treatment. At Roseburg High School, for instance, the
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school traded its warrior logo some years back for a feather (T-shirts now boast a lighthearted "Fear the feather"). But it hasn't changed its name. Not only has the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians made its peace with the name, a tribal spokeswoman said recently that she was wary of passing a law to abolish racist names and mascots, as Wisconsin did in 2010. Forcing elimination of names and logos wouldn't "provide for the considered thoughtfulness that would create solid change," she told Ulmer. Wise words. Meanwhile, school districts would be wise to take a cue from Enterprise. Get students involved in picking a new name that everyone can repeat loudly and proudly -- one we can publish in this newspaper. Like the Outlaws.
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