State Rep. Lekanoff backing bill to ban Native American mascots in schools

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Rep. Debra Lekanoff, (D-Bow), the only Native American currently serving in the Washington State Legislature, introduced a bill to ban Native American mascots in Washington schools.

The legislation would ban the inappropriate use of Native American names, symbols, or images as public school mascots, logos or team names.

“It is well past time to phase out Native-themed mascots and logos. It is degrading that we are being portrayed as no different than a token,” said Lekanoff. “This bill is a small change that will bring about healing and show respect for our Native American neighbors and friends. It will give people some hope.”

There are about 31 schools that use Native American nicknames or imagery in the state, the Wenatchee World reported.

Ivy Pete, a Native American student at North Central High School in Spokane, has helped support the bill.

“The picture we paint of these mascots is not of a real human, group of humans, or culture. It is a selection of preconceived notions and ideas that must be set straight,” said Pete.

In 1993 and 2012, the state Board of Education adopted resolutions that encouraged school districts to reexamine their policies and stop using Native American mascots, but a ban is not in place.

And 20 years ago, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights said the use of Native American images and names in school sports is a barrier to equality and understanding, and that Americans would benefit from stopping their use.

“This legislation calls for a time of healing. This proposal is past due. Native students have been disregarded and marginalized for far too long. It is time to truly honor our indigenous students and staff by finally removing these offensive mascots from our school system. It is time for us to heal,” said Bill S. Kallappa II, Education Liaison for the Nisqually Tribe and a member of the State Board of Education.

A public hearing on House Bill 1356 was held in the House Education Committee on Friday at 10 a.m.

Cox Media Group