Bill > HF518

This bill repeals Minnesota's existing law that prohibits public schools from using American Indian mascots, symbols, or names. Currently, schools are forbidden from using mascots that depict or refer to American Indian Tribes, individuals, customs, or traditions starting September 1, 2026, with some exceptions. The bill eliminates this prohibition entirely, effectively allowing public schools to use American Indian-related mascots again. Under the previous law, schools needed to seek an exemption from all 11 federally recognized Tribal Nations in Minnesota and the Tribal Nations Education Committee if they wanted to keep an American Indian mascot. The bill removes these restrictions, enabling schools to choose their mascots without requiring tribal approval. The repeal would be effective for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond, meaning schools would no longer be bound by the previous mascot restrictions. The legislation represents a significant shift from the previous stance of prohibiting American Indian mascots in public schools to allowing schools more freedom in their mascot selection.

Education

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0518&ssn=0&y=2025