CA Statewide Ban on Indians as Mascots is Considered
Almost a decade after American Indian mascots were banned from Los Angeles public schools, lawmakers are again considering a statewide prohibition on "Redskins" this week. Proponents contend that the legislation would banish the mascot from five California schools that use it. A bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg (D-Los Angeles) would affect Calaveras High School, Chowchilla Union High School, Colusa High School, Gustine High School and Tulare Union High School. A similar bill was passed by the California Legislature last year but was vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who said the issue should be decided locally. He has yet to take a position on Goldberg's pending bill. Dozens of civil rights groups and Indian tribes have endorsed the measure. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights has endorsed a broad ban, saying the mascots trivialize Indian culture, perpetuate harmful stereotypes and are insensitive to the forced assimilation of native Americans. [more]