By Bob Katzen

This bill would prohibit public schools from using an athletic team name, logo or mascot which names or is associated with Native Americans, or which denigrates any racial, ethnic, gender or religious group.

“Passage of this bill is an obligation of justice, a recognition of the common humanity of all and a repair of historic wrong,” says sponsor Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “It also addresses the deep psychological harm caused by perpetuating harmful, racist stereotypes—harm caused to both people who are of Native American heritage and those who are not. This bill says that the time has come to say loud and clear to Native Americans who had been on this land for millennia before the Pilgrims landed a mere 400 years ago: ‘You are people, not mascots.’”