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Photo by SierraVision.com
MADISON – Hundreds of people packed the state capitol in Madison Wednesday to air their views during a public hearing about whether school districts in Wisconsin should continue to use Native American nicknames, logos and mascots.
Public testimony lasted six hours.
“The harm many times is unintentional. Some even may think they are doing honor to a group of citizens in Wisconsin who have native American origins. However, there is no honor in a nickname based on race when that race of people object to it.”
The bill (SB-25) would require that the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction investigate complaints about Indian names, logos or mascots. If the state superintendent agrees with the complaint, the district must end usage within a year, or face fines of up to $1,000 a day.
Bruce Braidigan is a member of the Kewaskum School Board, whose nickname is the Indians. He opposes the bill.
“Before you vote on this bill, are you sure that you have thought about all the complications and burdens that this Senate Bill 25 will be placing on the school districts?”
Several high school student from the Prescott district, whose nickname is the Cardinals, testify at the capitol hearing. One student describes how their rivals — the Osceola Chieftains — would act toward them.
“There are some members of the Osceola community that were, you know, blatantly just looking at us going (holler) as loud as they could, as obnoxious as they could.”
Preps on the Net has been closely following the discussion regarding Native American nicknames.
There are 36 schools across the state of Wisconsin that continue to use Indian nicknames. As of the new year, Poynette High School changed their nickname from the Indians to the Pumas.
If you have any comments on SB-25, send your thoughts to judy@prepsonthenet.com. Please include your name and affiliated school. Note your comments may be published in future articles.
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