URGING THE ELIMINATION OF THE USE OF RACIALLY DEROGATORY MASCOTS, SYMBOLS, OR EMBLEMS IN SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF MINNESOTA

WHEREAS, the use of Indian (and similar designations) mascots, emblems, or symbols depicting the American Indian in Minnesota schools is offensive to people of American Indian culture and American Indian religious traditions, and such depiction perpetuates negative racial stereotypes of the American Indian, and

WHEREAS, the practice of using mascots, emblems, or symbols disparages the ethnic heritage of American Indian students in the public education system where students are entitled to a quality educational environment regardless of race or color.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Minnesota State Board of Education finds the use of mascots, emblems, or symbols depicting the American Indian culture or race unacceptable, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, it is the desire if the State Board of Education that no school district in the state of Minnesota shall have a mascot, namesake, official symbol, team name, newspaper, yearbook, or any official group or publication bearing the name of any American Indian symbol or cultural reference.   Academic classes and/or clubs such as American Indian history, American Indian culture, Black history, or Black culture which are specifically aimed at exploring these issues are not discouraged through this resolution, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Minnesota State Board of Education encourages all boards of education in the various Minnesota school districts to immediately commence or proceed to remove such mascots, emblems, or symbols from the public education system.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the State Board of Education states its intentin to review the progress made by public schools in fulfilling this resolution.  This review is to take place at the State Board's December 1988 meeting.

This resolution approved by the State Board of Education this 10th Day of May 1988.

_______________________________

Marjorie Johnson, President
State Board of Education

TLS:mhSB17-46
5/10/88