Democrats in Lansing want to make schools get rid of mascots that may be considered racially insensitive.
The legislation would prevent all kinds of potentially racially insensitive monikers – from the Escanaba Eskymos to the Athens Indians. Some schools say they aren’t racist, and the communities have a proud history with these mascots.
Democratic SenatorIan Conyers is a bill sponsor.
“I think the control of those appropriations, especially on high school levels, should be up to the people whose heritage is being defined.”
If a school wants to keep a mascot, it would have to get a waiver from the state Board of Education and Department of Civil Rights – or risk financial penalties.
Non-commercial, fact based reporting is made possible by your financial support. Make your donation to WEMU todayto keep your community NPR station thriving.
Like 89.1 WEMU on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
—Cheyna Roth is a reporter for the Michigan Public Radio network. Contact WEMU News at734.487.3363 or email us at studio@wemu.org
