Post by Larry Koschkee on Jan 2, 2006 11:45:28 GMT -5
Wisconsin State Journal, Sunday, January 1, 2006
SCHOOLS ASKED TO STOP USING INDIAN NAMES
State schools superintendent says the names interfere with sound education.
Associated Press
The state schools superintendent is asking Wisconsin school districts to drop American Indian names, mascots and logos, saying they perpetuate stereotypes.
Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster sent letters making her request to 39 districts in late December.
According to a group representing Indian educators, the Wisconsin Indian Education Association, the state has 39 schools with Indian logos, mascots and names, including the Auburndale Apaches, the Wisconsin Rapids Red Raiders, the Rib Lake Redmen and the Tomahawk Hatchets.
Burmaster wrote in her letter, "As you know, I believe that stereotypical American Indian logos do not support sound educational practice because they interfere with a school's efforts to provide accurate information related to history, culture and tribal sovereignty of American Indian Nations.
She said the state's schools must make sure all students feel welcome.
"Stereotypical logos can hurt our children, albeit unintentionally," she wrote.
Burmaster said she supports two identical bills in the Legislature that would force districts to prove their mascots did not promote discrimination and stereotypes if a resident complained. If they could not, they would have to change their mascots within a year or face fines of up to $1,000 a day.
Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Berlin, chairman of the Senate Education Committee, said he didn't agree with the bills or Burmaster's position.
"If we ever believe in local control, we have to let them choose their mascots," he said of schools.
But Barb Munson of the Wisconsin Indian Education Association said all school boards need to address the issue.
"I think the thing I find particularly pernicious about using (Indan Names) in the public schools is that's where we're teaching people; that's where we're telling people what life is," she said.
At Mukwonago High School, where sports steams are known as the Indians, senior Tim Reiter said he sees no reason to find a new name, and few people have asked for one.
"Its been around for a while. It's part of our heritage," he said.
___________________________________________
Once again, here is a prime example of advocates not getting their way through outrageous hyperbole so they will try to force it by means of litigation or decree.
The two legislative bills the article refers to were introduced in the Spring of 2005 by Democrat Frank Boyle, 73rd Assembly District and Democrat Spencer Coggs, 6th Senate District. This is not the first time citizen freedom of choice and free speech has been attacked by the politically correct on this issue in this state. The local advocacy groups are linked to the current national movement and the old AIM (American Indian Movement).
Super - Elizabeth Burmaster and legislative advocates of Indian name and mascot reform should learn from the education lesson delivered by citizens in some school districts. School board members voted to remove school Indian affiliation and were promptly recalled or voted out of their positions. Indian affiliation was re-instated.
SCHOOLS ASKED TO STOP USING INDIAN NAMES
State schools superintendent says the names interfere with sound education.
Associated Press
The state schools superintendent is asking Wisconsin school districts to drop American Indian names, mascots and logos, saying they perpetuate stereotypes.
Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster sent letters making her request to 39 districts in late December.
According to a group representing Indian educators, the Wisconsin Indian Education Association, the state has 39 schools with Indian logos, mascots and names, including the Auburndale Apaches, the Wisconsin Rapids Red Raiders, the Rib Lake Redmen and the Tomahawk Hatchets.
Burmaster wrote in her letter, "As you know, I believe that stereotypical American Indian logos do not support sound educational practice because they interfere with a school's efforts to provide accurate information related to history, culture and tribal sovereignty of American Indian Nations.
She said the state's schools must make sure all students feel welcome.
"Stereotypical logos can hurt our children, albeit unintentionally," she wrote.
Burmaster said she supports two identical bills in the Legislature that would force districts to prove their mascots did not promote discrimination and stereotypes if a resident complained. If they could not, they would have to change their mascots within a year or face fines of up to $1,000 a day.
Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Berlin, chairman of the Senate Education Committee, said he didn't agree with the bills or Burmaster's position.
"If we ever believe in local control, we have to let them choose their mascots," he said of schools.
But Barb Munson of the Wisconsin Indian Education Association said all school boards need to address the issue.
"I think the thing I find particularly pernicious about using (Indan Names) in the public schools is that's where we're teaching people; that's where we're telling people what life is," she said.
At Mukwonago High School, where sports steams are known as the Indians, senior Tim Reiter said he sees no reason to find a new name, and few people have asked for one.
"Its been around for a while. It's part of our heritage," he said.
___________________________________________
Once again, here is a prime example of advocates not getting their way through outrageous hyperbole so they will try to force it by means of litigation or decree.
The two legislative bills the article refers to were introduced in the Spring of 2005 by Democrat Frank Boyle, 73rd Assembly District and Democrat Spencer Coggs, 6th Senate District. This is not the first time citizen freedom of choice and free speech has been attacked by the politically correct on this issue in this state. The local advocacy groups are linked to the current national movement and the old AIM (American Indian Movement).
Super - Elizabeth Burmaster and legislative advocates of Indian name and mascot reform should learn from the education lesson delivered by citizens in some school districts. School board members voted to remove school Indian affiliation and were promptly recalled or voted out of their positions. Indian affiliation was re-instated.
