SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Senate has passed a bill that would loosen a new state policy that requires schools to erase Native American logos from uniforms, sports fields, trophy cases and other items.
Under the bill passed Wednesday by the Senate, schools would be able to keep Native American mascots if they don’t bother local tribes. The bill now goes to the House.
Less than a year ago, the state School Board of Education imposed a statewide ban on Native American mascots in schools. The education board gave schools with Native American mascots until July 2017 to change them, or risk losing state funding.
Critics of the mascots have said they are racist. Supporters of the mascots, including some tribal members, say they are a source of pride.
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