2008 Ethnic Logos, Mascots, etc.
Update: May 15, 2008
Two proposals were introduced during the 2007-08 legislatives session that relate to the use of ethnic names, nicknames, logos, and mascots by school boards. One of these bills would also prohibit the Department of Natural Resources from using the word squaw in the name of a lake or stream. All three proposals died in committee at the end of the session.
Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 132
AB-176 and its companion SB-132 were introduced by Representative Terry Musser (R-River Falls) and Senator Spencer Coggs (D-Milwaukee) in March and April, 2007 by request of the Wisconsin Indian Education Association. These bills provide that a school district resident may object to a school board’s use of an ethnic name, nickname, logo, or mascot by filing a complaint with the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The state superintendent must schedule a hearing on the complaint, at which the school board has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that the use of the ethnic name, nickname, logo, or mascot does not promote discrimination, pupil harassment, or stereotyping. If the state superintendent finds in favor of the complainant, the State Superintendent must order the school board to terminate its use of the ethnic name, nickname, logo, or mascot within 12 months after issuance of the order.
For the complete history and a link to the bill draft, please click on the link below.
Assembly Bill 180
AB 180 is similar to AB 176 / SB 132, except that it also would prohibit the Department of Natural Resources from using the word squaw in the name of a lake or stream. The proposal was introduced by Representative Marlin Schneider (D-Wisconsin Rapids). AB 180 also died in committee without any action taken.
For the complete history and a link to the bill draft, please click on the link below.