By Staff
Athletic Management, 18.3, April/May 2006, http://www.momentummedia.com/articles/am/am1803/wumascots.htm
Following the lead of the NCAA, the Wisconsin legislature is looking to closely examine the use of American Indian nicknames, mascots, and logos in its state’s high schools. Proposed legislation wouldn’t forbid schools from using American Indian imagery, but would make it easier for community members to file discrimination claims against local school boards.
If passed, the law would require the state superintendent of education to hold a hearing to evaluate a complaint within 45 days of filing. The local school board would then have to prove it wasn’t promoting discrimination, and would face a fine of up to $1,000 per day if it continued to use the name or image after being found in violation.
In December, citing a resolution from the American Psychological Association, Department of Public Instruction State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster sent a letter urging school districts to drop their Indian names and imagery. “Stereotypical American Indian logos do not support sound educational practice,” she wrote, “because they interfere with a school’s efforts to provide accurate information related to the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of American Indian Nations.”
Around the state, response has been mixed. In the last 16 years, 25 districts have replaced their logos, but there are still approximately 40 public schools that have retained their American Indian nicknames and/or imagery.
At Auburndale High School, home of the Apaches, the district changed the school logo from an Indian head to a capital letter “A” more than a decade ago and is now taking a wait-and-see approach. “We have people here who don’t believe we are being offensive to anybody, but we’re not the ones who can decide that,” says Athletic Director Jay Anderson. “We have to make sure that we’re sensitive to the people who feel offended.”