AILCEB Resolution 1-92

Whereas,  the use of American Indian logos and mascots by public schools has caused immeasurable harm by perpetuating stereotypes of a racial group, and that no other racial group has had its dignity denigrated by society by the use of said logos; and

Whereas,  the American Indian Language and Culture Education Board has kept abreast of the strong feelings of American Indian people throughout the state who have objected to the continued use of Indian logos and mascots; and

Whereas,  the use of American Indian logos and mascots presented by public schools as a "symbol of respect and honor" is a misguided representation because the schools do not understand the significance or the diversity of the histories and cultures of the more than 500 Indian tribes residing in the United States (hence, the reason for the 1989 Wisconsin Act 31 requiring all districts to teach Wisconsin Indian histories); and

Whereas,  the American Indian Language and Culture Education Board is legislatively charged with advising the Higher Educational Aids Board, the UW System, the Wisconsin Board of Vocational, Technical, and Adult Education, and the Department of Public Instruction;

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the American Indian Language and Culture Education Board that

(1) the use of Indian images/caricatures, logos, and mascots by all public and private schools (K-12 through postsecondary) be eliminated when the local tribal governing body or, in its absence, a state Indian education body designates such as racially offensive;

(2) the Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin   Interscholastic Athletic  Association  aggressively encourage all schools to  review their mascot policies for racial connotations.

The undersigned officer of the American Indian Language and Culture Education Board does hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted at a duly called meeting of the board on May 18, 1992.

May 18, 1992                                                                                   (Signed)                
Date                                                                                          Alfred Pyatskowit, Chairman

AMERICAN INDIAN
LANGUAGE and CULTURE EDUCATION BOARD