The Virginia High School League says it won't press local high schools to address their Indian mascots.

The league includes several schools with Indian names but the executive director said it is up to the schools themselves to decide on the mascots. Some have already changed their names. The Blacksburg High School went from "Indians" to "Bruins" in 2002.

The principal of Gar-Field High School said the "Indians" mascot isn't an issue. "All of our symbols and all of our references to Indians are that they were proud and brave and courageous and symbols of an outstanding culture," he told The Washington Post.

Get the Story:
VHSL Will Not Address Native American Nicknames (The Washington Post 8/11)
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NCAA Announcement:
NCAA Executive Committee Issues Guidelines for Use of Native American Mascots at Championship Events (August 5, 2005)

Relevant Links:
Virginia High School League - http://www.vhsl.org
NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee - http://www1.ncaa.org/eprise/main/
membership/governance/assoc-wide/moic/index.html
National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media - http://www.aimovement.org/ncrsm

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