Students in Lamar, Colorado, dressed up as fake Indians and set up a teepee as part of homecoming events in October 2014. Photo from The Prowers Journal
The Colorado House voted 33 to 32 on Wednesday to pass a bill that restricts the use of Indian mascots in public schools. House Bill 1165 creates a Subcommittee for the Consideration of the Use of American Indian Mascots by Public Schools. The panel would review existing Indian mascots to determine whether they are offensive and schools that fail to eliminate an offensive mascot within two years will face fines. Every Democrat except one voted for the bill. All Republicans voted against it. The measure heads to the Republican-controlled Senate where it is likely to fail, according to news reports. At least 10 public schools in Colorado continue to use Indian mascots, nicknames and imagery. The "Savages" in Lamar are the most glaring example -- just last fall, students there dressed in faux Indian costumes and rode around town with a faux teepee during the homecoming parade. Get the Story:
House roots on mascot bill (The Durango Herald 4/16)
Colorado passes bill limiting Native American mascots (AP 4/15)
Related Stories
Vote delayed on bill to restrict use of Indian
mascots in Colorado (4/14) Ellie Reynolds: Native people used as pawns in mascot debates (03/31)
Bill in Colorado restricts use of Indian mascots in public schools (3/24)
Amanda Blackhorse: Dehumanization of our people continues (3/23)
Join the Conversation
