The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights has issued a statement that calls for an end to the use of Native American images and team names by non-Native schools.
In recognition of the First Amendment right to freedom of expression, the Commission's statement does not attempt to prescribe how people can express themselves. However, the Commission believes that the use of Native American mascots and their performances, logos, images and nicknames by schools are both disrespectful and insensitive to American Indians and others who object to such stereotyping.
"The stereotyping of any racial, ethnic, religious or other groups, when promoted by our public educational institutions, teaches all students that stereotyping of minority groups is acceptable - a dangerous lesson in a diverse society. Schools have a responsibility to educate their students; they should not use their influence to perpetuate misrepresentations of any culture or people," the statement reads.
Copies of the statement are available free of charge to the public. Please contact the Publications Office, USCCR, 624 9th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20425 or call (202) 376-8110. You can also click here to view the statement.
04/16/01