One Pennsylvania lawmaker is proposing new legislation that would ban the use of Native American logos and mascots in schools.
In a House memo published this week, Rep. Christopher Rabb (D-Philadelphia) claims that the continued use of this imagery has “negative social impacts” on those with indigenous/Native American heritage.
Many public schools and sports teams across Pennsylvania use or refer to indigenous culture in their mascots and logos. Decades of social science research have shown how derogatory mascots have a serious negative psychological and social impact on those with an indigenous heritage.Further, data from the Department of Justice has shown that “American Indians are more likely than people of other races to experience violence at the hands of someone of a difference race.” In fact, it is well established that mascots, logos and the like that stereotype or fetishize indigenous peoples highly correlate to the alarmingly high suicide rate among Native youth.
Rep. Rabb further notes that many other states have already passed similar legislation in recent years, and adds that the NCAA even prohibited 18 schools from using “derogatory mascots.”
For far too long, indigenous peoples have faced discrimination, disrespect, and violence. Our commonwealth must not remain complicit in the perpetuation of derogatory, bigoted, and harmful practices which encourage bullying and other forms of abuse. Therefore, eliminating the use of offensive stereotypes for school mascots is the least we can do to begin mending the damage done by the appalling historical oppression of these groups.
If passed, this legislation would impact several school districts in our 10-county viewing area, including….
Conemaugh Township IndiansMeyersdale Red RaidersBellefonte Red RaidersEverett WarriorsWest Branch WarriorsBrookville RaidersCameron County Red Raiders