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Massachusetts State Senator Barbara A. L’Italien, Democrat, of Second Essex and Middlesex, is proposing legislation to prohibit the use of Native American mascots by public schools in Massachusetts. On January 23, 2017, the House concurred and it was referred to the committee on Education.
There are still dozens of schools in Massachusetts that use Indian mascots to include the Dartmouth Indians locally.
Here is the legislation as written:
An Act to prohibit the use of Native American mascots by public schools in the Commonwealth
SECTION 1. Chapter 71 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 97 the following new section:-
Section 98. Prohibition on the use of Native American mascots to by public schools in the Commonwealth.
(a) As used in this section, “Native American mascot” means
a. A name, symbol, or image that depicts or refers to an American Indian tribe, individual, custom, or tradition that is used by a public school as a mascot, nickname, logo, letterhead, or team name
b. The use of the team name “Redskins, “Savages,” “Indians,” “Indianettes,” “Chiefs,” “Chieftains,” “Braves,” or “Redmen.”
(b) As used in this section, “public school” means a school or program operated by a school district, and education service district, or a public charter school.
(c) The use of any Native American mascot by a public school in the Commonwealth is prohibited.
