OLYMPIA, Wash. — A local state representative has introduced a bill that would ban the use of most Native American names, symbols or images as public school mascots.
Debra Lekanoff is the only Native person currently serving in the legislature and calls her bill a “small change” that is aimed at healing and “respect for our Native American neighbors and friends.”
The 40th District Democrat from Bow calls the use of Native-themed mascots degrading.
The Bellingham School District is currently assembling a task force to develop an alternative to Bellingham High School’s Red Raider mascot.
Lekanoff’s bill is scheduled to receive a hearing by the House Education Committee Friday.