Board of Education will urge discussions of Indian mascots

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By KEVIN O’HANLON / The Associated Press

Schools will be urged to discuss the appropriateness of using American Indian mascots and nicknames before the state Board of Education considers whether to take action to possibly ban them.

The board voted 7-0 Wednesday to send a letter to schools — signed by Education Commissioner Doug Christensen and board President Fred Meyer — after discussing other possibilities, including seeking possible legislation or a rule banning such uses.

Indian sports mascots have been an issue in recent years across the nation from the smallest schools to professional sports teams.

Some people say the mascots degrade Indians, while others argue that they honor Indian heritage and are stepped in tradition.

“This is not for the faint of heart, but it’s the right thing to do” Christensen said in explaining his opposition to the use of Indian mascots and what options the board has to address the issue.

There are about 30 Nebraska schools that have Indian mascots or names.

Board member Joe Higgins said asking that the issue be discussed on the local level is the best route to begin reform.

“I do believe many of these will be resolved through discussion in the local communities,” Higgins said.

The student council at Millard South High School, for example, led the fight to change the school’s mascot from Indians to the Patriots, starting in 2001.

The Nebraska School Activities Association said in February that it cannot force schools to remove mascots.

In April, Indian activist Frank LaMere appeared before the Board of Education to express his concerns about the use of Indian mascots and nicknames.

NCAA officials last year announced they would ban the use of Indian nicknames, mascots and images at its championship events.

Five schools — Catawba College (Indians) in North Carolina, Central Michigan (Chippewas), Florida State (Seminoles), Mississippi College (Choctaws) and the University of Utah (Utes) — won appeals after each showed it had the approval of local tribes to use the nickname.

Eight schools, including Illinois (Fighting Illini), still face sanctions. Four of the violators — Arkansas State, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, McMurry University in Texas, and Newberry (S.C.) College — use the nickname Indians. The other schools still on the list are Alcorn State (Braves), North Dakota (Fighting Sioux) and William & Mary (Tribe).