Calling on the Secretary of Education to work with stakeholders to immediately eliminate race-based Native logos, mascots, and names from State educational institutions, and calling on State educational institutions and national sports franchises to cease the unsanctioned use of such logos, mascots, and names.

Key Points

• Congressman Pallone introduced a resolution asking the Department of Education to help schools remove Native American-themed logos, mascots, and names. This would apply to public schools from kindergarten through high school, especially those that receive federal funding.
• The proposal also calls on professional sports teams to stop using Native American names and symbols without permission. It notes that while some major teams have already changed their names, others still use symbols that many find offensive or harmful.
• Supporters point to research showing these mascots are based on stereotypes and hurt the self-esteem of Native American students. Studies suggest these images remind Native youth of limited ways others see them, which can make it harder for them to succeed in school.
• Currently, more than 1,900 schools across the country use names or symbols that are considered harmful to Native American communities. The resolution argues that even if schools do not intend to be disrespectful, the use of these mascots still creates a discriminatory environment.
• Because this is a resolution and not a law, it does not legally force schools to change or provide new money for rebranding. Instead, it acts as a formal call to action from the House of Representatives to address what they describe as race-based discrimination in education and sports.

Impact Analysis

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