Proposed Bill Would Ban Native Mascots in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, a critical debate is unfolding over the use of Native American mascots in schools. A bill proposed by Senator Joanne Comerford and Representative Brandy Fluker Oakley aims to address this issue head-on. This legislation would enforce a statewide ban on athletic team names, logos, or mascots that represent or are associated with Native Americans or any racial, ethnic, gender, or religious group. This change would directly impact 23 schools currently using such mascots.

State Rep. Brandy Fluker Oakley, one of the bill’s sponsors, emphasizes the educational aspect of this legislation, stating, “When we have these mascots that have imagery that depicts a whole group of people, it certainly does not aid in their ability to ascertain their learning.” This sentiment is echoed by advocates who argue that these mascots perpetuate stereotypes and harm the self-esteem and self-efficacy of students, particularly those from the groups represented in the mascots.

Opponents of the bill, like Kelly Pease of Westfield, question the need for state-level intervention and suggest that such decisions should be made at the community level. Pease also challenges the idea that these mascots are inherently racist or disrespectful. However, Rhonda Anderson, a representative for the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs, counters by highlighting the stereotypical nature of these mascots and their failure to represent the diverse and distinct cultures within Native American communities.

The bill’s implications are not just theoretical. Schools like Foxborough High School have proactively changed their logos while retaining their team names, such as “Warriors.” In contrast, Dartmouth School Committee voted to keep its Indian logo, designed by a member of the Wampanoag tribe in the 1970s. Sean Carney, a Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah member, argues for a more nuanced approach, advocating for case-by-case assessments and enhanced education about local Native American cultures.

This bill, numbered S.245/H.477, has been introduced in every legislative session since 2017 but has yet to pass. It reflects a broader movement to retire Indigenous American imagery in public school mascots, a movement that has seen a reduction from over 90 schools using such imagery 25 years ago to 23 today.

Rhonda Anderson’s testimony to the committee highlights the reluctance of some schools to relinquish control over Native American identities. She underscores the educational harm and historical inaccuracy these mascots represent, a sentiment supported by Faries Gray, who spoke about the recent changes at Foxborough High School.

The American Psychological Association (APA) has weighed in on this issue as well. In 2005, then-APA President Ronald F. Levant called for the immediate retirement of all mascots and symbols related to Indigenous Americans, citing their perpetuation of stereotypes and misleading images.

In summary, the proposed Massachusetts bill represents a significant effort to address the complex issues surrounding the use of Native American mascots in schools. It brings to the forefront questions of cultural representation, educational impact, and the role of state versus local decision-making in shaping the identities and values taught in educational institutions. The ongoing debate underscores the need for sensitivity and understanding in how we portray and honor the diverse cultures that make up the American tapestry.