Maine becomes first state to ban Native American mascots
Gov. Janet Mills signed the bill into law on Thursday, and it goes into effect 90 days after the legislature adjourns. Specifically, the bill prevents institutions from having or adopting “a name, symbol or image that depicts or refers to a Native American tribe, individual, custom or tradition and that is used as a mascot, nickname, logo, letterhead or team name of the school.”
In March, the Skowhegan school board voted to discontinue its district’s use of the “Indians” mascot. Skowhegan was Maine’s last school district using the name. Residents had petitioned to reinstate the name, but state law now would prevent such action.
“We recognize this day as the start of a higher trust of promoting cultural diversity and awareness in place of any continuous social injustices towards one another,” said Representative Rena Newell of the Passamaquoddy Tribe. “Today and for now on, it is our collective responsibility to the next generations to promote each other as equals, as individuals, and most importantly as neighbors.”
Read more from the Bangor Daily News.