Bill > SF420

This bill prohibits public and nonpublic schools in Iowa from using Native American tribes, individuals, customs, or traditions as mascots, nicknames, logos, letterheads, or team names starting January 1, 2027. The legislation aims to address concerns about cultural appropriation and stereotyping by requiring schools to remove any Native American-related imagery or references from their branding. An important exception is made for schools that are directly controlled by Native American tribes and fall under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Indian Education, which would be allowed to continue using such mascots. The bill represents a growing national movement to eliminate Native American mascots in educational institutions, reflecting increased awareness of the potentially harmful and disrespectful nature of using indigenous cultural elements as sports team or school identifiers without meaningful consultation or consent from Native American communities.

Education

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF420