Native American Causus of the California State Democratic Party in Support of Elimination of Native American Mascots in Public Schools

WHEREAS, The Native American Caucus of the California State Democratic Party is dedicated to promoting quality education in Californias public schools for all students, including cultural awareness and education of the diversity of Californias citizens both past and present; and

WHEREAS, The use of Native American names and images as mascots by schools: perpetuates stereotypes about Native Americans; involves the misappropriation of Native American cultural identity; often includes the display or depiction of symbols or practices having a religious significance to Native Americans; is likely to have a negative impact on the educational experience and self-esteem of Native American children; and contributes to the miseducation of all students;

WHEREAS, The use of Native American names and images as mascots by schools is an offensive practice that is inconsistent with the affirmative obligations Californias public schools have to combat racism and to minimize and eliminate hostile environments on school grounds and is an impediment to quality education on the diversity and richness of Native American culture;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Native American Caucus of the California Democratic Party hereby calls for an end to the use of Native American names and images as mascots by public schools; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Native American Caucus of the California Democratic Party calls upon all California public schools that currently use Native American names and images as mascots to voluntarily change their mascots to non-ethnic mascots; and supports administrative and legislative initiatives designed to prohibit or restrict the use of Native American names and images as mascots by public schools in California.

Submitted by the Native American Caucus of the California Democratic Party

Adopted by the Native American Caucus of the California Democratic Party at the CDP State Executive Board Meeting Universial City July 2000