The fight to remove Native American names, logos and mascots from schools has been a long one. The progress by states to ban the usage of these monikers and images has been slow with only a handful taking meaningful action. Last week the state of Washington joined the effort by banning their usage in public schools unless Tribal approval has been obtained. Now Colorado is taking steps to join them.
Late last month, the Colorado state senate passed bill SB21-116. In this legislation, Native American mascots would be banned from public schools. Those not abiding by the law would be fined $25,000 a month. A steep price to pay by the 24 schools that would be affected by the law.
“It’s a really harmful practice,” said Democratic state Senator Jessie Danielson, who sponsored the bill. “It hurts native and non-native kids and perpetuates negative stereotypes. It’s bad for our community in general and it’s long overdue to do away with this practice.”
Danielson’s bill gives schools until June of 2022 to change their mascots. While some have complained that the bill doesn’t allow for enough time, Danielson refuted their claims.
“They’ve had five years since that report was issued but in reality, they’ve had decades to make these changes on their own,” said Danielson, referring to a study commissioned by the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs.
Some schools have already taken steps to address the issue. Loveland High School changed its name from the Indians to the Red Wolves last year. But others currently use names such as “Savages”, “Reds” and “Warriors”.
Certain schools, similar to a few in Washington, are exempt as they have tribal approval. This includes schools like the Arapahoe High Warriors.
“Tribal elders worked with Arapahoe High School administration and student council to create a wonderful, unique relationship between the Arapaho Tribal Nation and our high school,” said Littleton Public Schools to FOX31. “The Arapahoe Warrior logo — which was designed by a Northern Arapaho artist — demonstrates the decades-long relationship between the two communities that runs far deeper than the creation of the Arapahoe Warrior logo.”
The move to ban Native American mascots, logos and monikers from schools exists in Oregon, Maine, and Washington. Some have partially joined in like California, which bans the use of “Redskins” in public schools.
Now Colorado is looking to make a cultural change as well.
“Not only have Indigenous Peoples had their homeland stolen but their culture has been continually trivialized and appropriated,” said Danielson. “For decades schools and sports teams have used degrading imagery as mascots – calling themselves the “Savages,” “Reds,” or “Indians.” Not only is this practice harmful and offensive, but it is in direct defiance of requests from Indigenous Coloradans, who have demanded for years that these derogatory mascots be discontinued.”
The bill now moves to the House. Hopefully they’ll recognize the need for change as well.
