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Education
Public schools consider getting rid of Indian mascots


The National Collegiate Athletic Association's decision last year to ban schools from using Indian mascots during post-season tournaments has renewed attention on the controversial subject.

In Iowa, several public schools have already eliminated or changed their Indian mascots. But at least eight still retain the use of "Indians," "Braves" and "Savages."

John Blackhawk, the chairman of the Winnebago Tribe, says the mascots are offensive. Twelve tribes in South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa have passed resolutions against Indian mascots.

In Oklahoma, the Cherokee Nation has taken a stand against mascots, saying they demean Native Americans. The tribe uses the name of Sequoyah, who developed the Cherokee syllabary, as a source of pride for its boarding school in Tahlequah.

Get the Story:
The 'Indians': A tribute or an insult? (The Des Moines Register 3/7)
Mascot...or mockery? (The Muskogee Phoenix 3/7)

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