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State Board of Education Recommends Districts Discontinue Use of Native American Mascots

Release Date: 

September 28, 2012

OLYMPIA, Wash. – On September 26, the Washington State Board of Education approved a resolution urging districts to discontinue the use of Native American mascots.

The resolution echoes the findings of the 2005 American Psychological Association report citing the adverse effect of Native American mascots on students. Several states, including Oregon in 2012, have passed resolutions related to the Native American mascot issue.

"We are in the business of educating students,” said Board member Bernal Baca. "We need to remove any barrier that will impede student success.”

The decision to adopt or alter a school’s mascot or logo is a local one. However, State Board of Education members hope that this resolution will prompt districts to reevaluate their policies regarding the use of mascots that are potentially derogatory or damaging to the students those districts serve.

The State Board of Education approved a similar resolution in 1993.

Both the 1993 and the 2012 State Board of Education resolutions are available online.

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Contact: Aaron Wyatt, Communications and Partnerships Director

About the State Board of Education: The State Board of Education provides advocacy and strategic oversight of public education. The board is comprised of 16 members: five are elected by school board directors, seven are appointed by the Governor, two serve as student representatives, and one serves as a private school representative. The Superintendent of Public Instruction is also a member.

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Media Contact: 

Alissa Muller, SBE Communications Manager, (360) 725-6501