Bill > H575

This bill aims to address the use of Native American mascots in public schools across the Commonwealth by establishing a comprehensive process to identify, review, and phase out such mascots. The Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs will first compile a list of all public schools and their athletic team names, logos, and mascots, specifically identifying those associated with Native Americans. Within one year, the commission will review these mascots and submit recommendations to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on phasing out or banning such mascots, focusing on policies that increase respect and knowledge of Native American heritage and cultures. Schools with identified Native American mascots will be prohibited from purchasing new materials featuring these mascots and must negotiate a memorandum of understanding with the department to phase out their current mascots within a three-year timeline. Schools that fail to comply with this process 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 or represent Native Americans, including those recognized by the United States or the Commonwealth. The goal is to eliminate the use of Native American imagery as mascots while promoting cultural sensitivity and respect.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H575