Wisconsin Republicans introduced a bill that will make it harder to eliminate Indian mascots in public schools.

In 2010, the Democrat-controlled Legislature passed a bill that allows people to file complaints about Indian mascots. The school district must show that the mascot is not discriminatory.

Now that Republicans are in control of the Legislature, they developed a bill that effectively reverses the process. It places the burden on the complainant and it creates a lengthy petition and review process.

“These changes are reasonable and address concerns brought forth by all parties,” Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said in a press release. “It puts the proper mechanism in place for appeals from the community without putting an undue burden on school districts.”

The bill would allow school districts that were told to eliminate their mascots under the 2010 law to keep the mascots.

Get the Story:
Wisconsin Republicans propose making it harder to force schools to change race-based nicknames (AP 9/26)
Wisconsin Assembly bill would rewrite rules on mascot objections (The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 9/27)

Related Stories:
Barbara Munson: 'Indian' mascots are harmful to our children (9/13)