Washington State Legislature Approves Ban on Native American School Mascots

The Washington Legislature has approved a measure to ban the use of Native American names, symbols and images as school mascots, logos and team names at most public schools in Washington.

On a 90-8 vote, the House concurred Monday with changes made in the Senate. {snip}

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The ban does not apply to schools located on tribal lands or to schools in counties adjacent to Native American areas, as long as the nearest tribe is consulted and authorizes the use of the name.

The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Schools estimates there are 35 schools in the state that currently use Native American names, symbols or images. {snip}

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