FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Mark LeBeau
September 30, 2002 (202) 225-4671
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
PALLONE INTRODUCES BILL TO ELIMINATE THE USE OF NAMES AND SYMBOLS OF
SCHOOLS THAT ARE OFFENSIVE TO NATIVE AMERICAN PEOPLE
U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), a senior member of the House
Resources Committee and a member of the Congressional Native American
Caucus, introduces the Native Act to Transform Imagery in Various
Environments (NATIVE) in the House of Representatives and submits
corresponding opening statement into the Congressional Record.
"Representative Frank Pallone, Jr.
Introducing the Native Act to Transform Imagery in Various Environments
(NATIVE) Act
September 26, 2002
"I rise today as a member of the Native American Caucus to introduce the
Native Act to Transform Imagery in Various Environments (NATIVE) Act. This
bill would provide funding for the establishment of an incentive program
for schools to eliminate the use of names and symbols that are offensive to
Native American people.
"Many elementary and secondary schools across the country use words and
symbols representing their schools that are demeaning to Native Americans.
Nationally, more than 1,200 schools inappropriately use such offensive
names or nicknames, often these become mascots. In addition, these names
or symbols are used at athletic games for mascot characters, chants and
other antics.
"While I believe the intentions of these school communities is not to
disrespect or harm Native Americans, that is the end result of allowing
these offensive terms to continue in these educational institutions.
"Once this bill is signed into law, the Secretary of Education would be
authorized to make grants to eligible schools to assist such schools to
discontinue use of a derogatory or discriminatory name or depiction as a
team name, mascot, or nickname. Funding would be provided to schools to
change their names and symbols on all equipment and apparel throughout the
institution, including on team jerseys, signs, stationary, walls, fields
and gymnasium floors. Schools participating in the program may also
qualify for construction or renovation funds.
"Given that the president's No Child Left Behind education plan does not
include construction and renovation funding (with the exception of
immediate danger areas), this would be a major incentive for schools to
replace their offensive names and logos. Because of the federal
government's trust responsibility and obligations to tribal governments,
tribally-controlled schools would be eligible for construction or
renovation funds, regardless of whether or not they alter their names and
symbols.
-more-
Page 2 / Opening Statement
"The legislation would also provide for the establishment of a Committee of
American Indian Relations to conduct cultural proficiency trainings at
schools participating in the program to further assist the school
communities with understanding and changing their behavior. The Committee
would also assist the Secretary with reviewing proposals submitted by
schools for eligibility determination and funding of grant purposes. The
Committee would be headed by a Director, selected by the Secretary in
consultation with tribal governments.
"This program would receive federal funding for five years. During the
first two years of the program, some funding would be devoted to
establishing the Committee, identifying schools interested in participating
and then working with those schools to actually change the offensive names
and symbols. Over the remaining three years, funding would be devoted to
any necessary construction and renovation required at the school sites.
"I have developed this legislation in consultation with representatives
from the National Indian Education Association, Humboldt State�s Indian
Teacher and Educational Personnel Program, Capitol Area Indian Resources,
Inc., and the California Rural Indian Health Board and would like to thank
these tribal organizations and their staff for their commitment to bringing
this bill to fruition.
"The idea for this legislation came from a similar bill proposed in the
California state legislature. The California bill would have mandated that
all schools in the state with offensive Native American names and symbols
change their identifying features in order to continue receiving state
funding. This bill failed to receive the votes necessary to become state
law.
"I believe that forcing educational institutions to adhere to a new
procedure without preparing them for such a change can have negative
consequences. Educating the school community about why such change is
important, and gradually gaining their support can make the transition
easier and oftentimes leads to positive results.
"This is why I am introducing this bill that would not mandate schools
change, but instead provide incentives and activities building awareness in
school communities as to why these names and symbols are not appropriate in
educational environments.
"I urge my colleagues to support and vote in favor of the Native Act to
Transform Imagery in Various Environments (NATIVE)."
-30-
--
Andr� Cramblit: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Operations Director
Northern California Indian Development Council NCIDC (http://www.ncidc.org)
is a non-profit that meets the development needs of American Indians and
operates an art gallery featuring the art of California tribes
(http://www.americanindianonline.com)
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