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School Closing Information

Lawmakers Step In On School Mascot Issue

Michigan Capitol
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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 Senator Ian 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.

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—Cheyna Roth is a reporter for the Michigan Public Radio network.  Contact WEMU News at 734.487.3363 or email us at studio@wemu.org

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