Native American Caucus Mascot Resolutions: Calif. Issue
Here is a copy of the Redskin Resolution. Following, there is also one that applies to mascots in general that follows. The mascot resolution was passed last year. The language in the Redskin resolution is much stronger.

Native American Caucus of the California State Democratic Party

In support of Complaints against Public Schools For Use of "Redskins" Mascots

WHEREAS, The Native American Caucus of the California State Democratic Party is dedicated to promoting quality education in California's public schools for all students, including cultural awareness and education of the diversity of California's citizens both past and present. The term "redskins" has historically been used by non-Native Americans as a derogatory reference to Native Americans and, even when used in ignorance of this connotation, is offensive to many Native Americans; and

WHEREAS, The use of "redskins" as mascots by schools perpetuates stereotypes about Native Americans. The use of "redskins" as mascots by schools is likely to have a negative impact on the educational experience and self-esteem of Native American children and contribute to the miseducation of all students; and

WHEREAS, The use of "redskins" as mascots by schools is inconsistent with the affirmative obligations California's public schools have to combat racism and to minimize and eliminate hostile environments on school grounds and is an impediment to quality education about the diversity and richness of Native American culture;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Native American Caucus of the California State Democratic Party hereby support eliminating the use of "redskins" as mascots by schools; and that the executive board and membership of the Native American Caucus of the California State Democratic Party direct that this resolution of support be submitted to Delaine Eastin, the Superintendent of Public Instruction for the California Department of Education; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Native American Caucus calls upon the Superintendent of Public Instruction: 1) to investigate any complaints received from the Advocates for American Indian Children or other persons concerning the use of such mascots; and 2) to exercise her authority under California Education Code S 233 (a) to request that the State Board of Education: a) adopt policies aimed at eliminating or restricting the use of ethnic or racial groups as mascots and the racial stereotyping that accompanies such usage; and b) establish guidelines designed to raise the awareness and sensitivity of teachers, administrators, and school employees to the potentially prejudicial and discriminatory nature of such mascots.

Submitted by the Native American Caucus of the California Democratic Party

Adopted by the Native American Caucus of the California Democratic Party
at its State Convention, Anaheim Convention Center
March 30, 2001

Native American Caucus of the California State Democratic Party
In Support of Elimination of Native American Mascots in Public Schools

WHEREAS, The Native American Caucus of the California State Democratic Party is dedicated to promoting quality education in California's public schools for all students, including cultural awareness and education of the diversity of California's citizens both past and present; and

WHEREAS, The use of Native American names and images as mascots by schools: perpetuates stereotypes about Native Americans; involves the misappropriation of Native American cultural identity; often includes the display or depiction of symbols or practices having a religious significanceto Native Americans; is likely to have a negative impact on the educational experience and self esteem of Native American children; and contributes to the miseducation of all students;

WHEREAS, The use of Native American names and images as mascots by schools is an offensive practice that is inconsistent with the affirmative obligations California's public schools have to combat racism and to minimize and eliminate hostile environments on school grounds and is an impediment to quality education on the diversity and richness of Native American culture;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Native American Caucus of the California Democratic Party hereby calls for an end to the use of Native American names and images as mascots by public schools: and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Native American Caucus of the California Democratic Party calls upon all California public schools that currently use Native American names and images as mascots to voluntarily change their mascots to non-ethnic mascots; and supports administrative and legislative initiatives designed to prohibit or restrict the use of Native American names and images as mascots by public schools in California.

Submitted by the Native American Caucus of the California Democratic Party

Adopted by the Native American Caucus of the California Democratic Party at the CDP State Executive Board Meeting Universal City July 2000

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