Minnesota mascots: Native American names still banned, exemptions easier under new bill
Minnesota school mascots ban could get extension
A new bill being considered by Minnesota lawmakers could help schools in the state with Native American mascots, nicknames, logos, and chants by giving them an extension, and exceptions, on an upcoming ban.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Minnesota schools with Native American mascots, nicknames and logos are on the clock to get rid of them, but they could get some help before the September 2025 deadline.
On the clock
What’s in a name::
For Native Americans, there can be disrespect and discrimination.
In 2023, DFL lawmakers basically banned Native American names and mascots and logos and chants.
"Something so simple and easy as changing a mascot can result in tremendous healing and support and kindness and a little bit of freedom for all of us," said the ban's Senate author, Sen. Mary Kunesh (DFL-New Brighton), who is a descendant of the Standing Rock Lakota tribe.
Minnesota could ban Native American mascots for schools
Minnesota lawmakers are considering a bill that would prevent schools from using Native American mascots.
Running into trouble
Name change progress::
Some schools jumped on it ahead of a deadline this year.
Sleepy Eye changed its mascot from the Indians to the Storm, for example. The ban is not complete, though.
Schools like Warroad, Benson and Red Wing have asked for exemptions. Tribal leaders have since listened.
"We generally support prohibiting offensive mascots, but we believe the process around the exemption can be improved," said Johnny Johnson.
Johnson is a former Prairie Island president whose kids were all Red Wing Wingers.
He says the name and the red feather on the logo reflect aspects of the tribe’s culture and tradition, so they supported an exemption.
But another tribe objected, so the district is trying to figure out how to pay an estimated $2 million to change it all out.
Finding a fix
Cash, exemptions::
A new bill from Sen. Kunesh would allow them to ask permission from only the nearest tribe, Prairie Island.
And in cases where the tribe says no, like they have in Benson, the state would help pay for the change.
"I think we're making the right move here to listen to local tribes on the impacts of tribal logos, but also providing possible funding and support for the school district to make the necessary change," said Sen. Grant Hauschild (DFL-Hermantown), who was a student leader at the University of North Dakota when they moved to replace the Sioux.
What's next:
The bill passed through a committee hearing Tuesday, so it’s on track for a vote.
But before then, legislators will have to figure out how much money there is in the budget to give schools that need to make changes.