Bill > S312

This bill aims to prohibit public schools in Massachusetts from using Native American mascots by establishing a comprehensive process for identifying and phasing out such mascots. The Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs will first review and identify schools with athletic team names, logos, or mascots that reference Native Americans, and publish this list. Schools on this list will be prohibited from purchasing new materials with their current mascot and must work with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop a memorandum of understanding that outlines a timeline for changing their mascot, which cannot exceed three years. The commission will also provide recommendations on phasing out these mascots and ways to increase respect for Native American heritage and cultures. Schools that fail to enter into or comply with an agreement will become ineligible for discretionary state education grants. Additionally, the bill explicitly prohibits public schools from adopting any new athletic team names, logos, or mascots that reference Native Americans, including tribes recognized by the United States or Massachusetts. The goal of this legislation is to eliminate the use of Native American imagery in school athletics and promote cultural sensitivity.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S312