From the MCRC:
Later this morning, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights will file a complaint with the United States Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights (OCR) on behalf of all present and future students who are, are descended from, or otherwise self-identify as American Indians. This complaint asks OCR to order an end to the use of American Indian mascots, names, terms, graphics and/or other imagery as a violation of equal protection for primary and secondary students.
Here are the materials:
| • MDCR 2-8-13 Discrimination Complaint |
| • MDCR 2-8-13 Supporting Argument |
| • MDCR 2-8-13 Appendix A – References |
| • MDCR 2-8-13 Appendix B – Schools |
Being part Native American, I don’t see what all the fuss is for a school to call themselves the “Warriors”. As far as I know, that term can be used for pretty much any type of people and is not specifically tagged for Native American use only. In addition, if the imagery is offensive, why not ask them to remove it instead of blowing this all up in court. It seems to me that in the interest of being politically correct, most school districts would.
Ok “part Native American.” Read the docs before getting it all wrong. It’s not in court and its not about whether anything is offensive.
Dear Conce rndcitizen,
I believe that the initial approach has been to request removal of cartoonish imagery or terminology and attempt to educate the public and school boards about such mascot issues. The mascot issue is not a new issue, there are documentaries, studies, community speaking events etc. This issue has been approached from many different angles. Unfortunately, for some reason that eludes me, many people’s identities become intertwined with mascots. How or why someone would vehemently self identify with a cartoon character or figment of some marketing departments imagination is beyond me.
…with that said, Go Spartans!