STATE OF OKLAHOMA

2nd Session of the 52nd Legislature (2010)

SENATE
RESOLUTION 107	By:	Eason McIntyre

AS INTRODUCED

A Resolution calling upon public schools to abandon the use of Indian mascots; supporting initiatives to restrict the use of Indian mascots; and directing distribution.

WHEREAS, racial discrimination is characterized by attitudes and behaviors that are learned and that threaten positive human development.  The use of Native American images as sports team mascots creates a hostile environment for the development and dignity of Native Americans.  The use of American Indian sports team mascots perpetuates stereotypes about Native Americans; and
WHEREAS, the use of American Indian mascots by schools is inconsistent with the affirmative obligations of Oklahoma public schools to combat racism and to assist in the elimination of hostile environments on school grounds and is an impediment to quality education about the diversity and richness of Native American culture; and
WHEREAS, the continued use of American Indian symbols, mascots, images, and personalities is a detrimental manner of illustrating the cultural identity of living American Indian peoples through negative displays and/or misinterpretations of spiritual and traditional practices.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 52ND OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:
THAT the Oklahoma State Senate calls upon all Oklahoma public schools that currently use Native American names and images as mascots to voluntarily change their mascots to nonethnic mascots.
THAT the Oklahoma State Senate supports administrative and legislative initiatives designed to prohibit or restrict the use of Native American names and images as mascots by public schools in Oklahoma.
THAT a copy of this resolution be distributed to the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the State Board of Education, and the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission.

52-2-3856	THC	3/31/2010 3:52:07 PM