MA Bill Would Ban Native American Mascots For Public Schools

BOSTON — A bill introduced by the House Committee on Education in the Massachusetts legislature Monday would ban public schools from using Native American logos, mascots and team names.

The bill is cosponsored by 52 Democrats, one Republican and one independent. The state currently has 24 public schools using Native American logos and mascots, down from more than 40 just a few years ago. Braintree and other Massachusetts towns have banned the use of Native American logos with local legislation.

Lawmakers introduced similar bills in 2017, 2019 and 2020. Each time, the bill failed to emerge from committee. Unlike previous versions of the bill, which specifically named terms that could not be used, the new bill is worded to ban logos "associated with Native Americans, including aspects of Native American cultures and specific Native American tribes, or which denigrates any racial, ethnic, gender, or religious group."

If passed, public schools can use uniforms with prohibited athletic team name, logo, or mascot that were purchased before a date to be determined. The school has to choose a new team name and promise not to purchase additional equipment, signs and uniforms with the old name.

Prominent cosponsors of the bill include Joanne M. Comerford, Jack Patrick Lewis, Sonia Chang-Diaz and Adam G. Hinds.