And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: Letters in support of the following are encouraged..send to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] thank you, Ish Date: Sat, 25 Sep 1999 02:20:42 -0400 From: Albert RunningWolf <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Native American Mascots in the State of Indiana X-Priority: 1 (Highest) Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Dear Dr. Suellen K. Reed , We are writing to express our dismay about school districts that use Native American nicknames, logos and mascots which are derogatory to Native American people. The depiction's and names do not honor Native American people but rather objectify them. It is particularly inappropriate for a school district to be a vehicle of institutional racism. The use of Native American nicknames and logos in schools insures that children in attendance learn how to tolerate and embrace stereotypes of Native Americans and how to perpetuate and maintain discriminatory acts against a group of people. As long as using Native American people as mascots for “fun and games” exists, so will opposition to it. At this point, opposition to it is growing and will not go away. No Indiana school district would consider endorsing such portrayals and antics for other ethnic groups such as African Americans, Asian Americans, or American Chicanos. It is a simple matter of respect to listen to the Native American community which is affected by such symbolism and imagery. We encourage the Indiana Department of Education to change the policy of allowing Native American nicknames, logos and mascots in our public schools. By taking this action our state will demonstrate its willingness to promote more accurate and authentic understanding and awareness of Native American people. Many schools across the country from elementary to college institutions have taken such action and eliminated the use of a Native American nickname, logo or mascot. We hope that the Indiana Department of Education will soon join this list. Thank you for your attention and consideration of this matter. Sincerely……. -- Albert RunningWolf Chairperson A.I.M. Central Indiana Support Group P.O. Box 102 Brookville, IN 47012 765 647-5362 (fax & voicemail) 765 647-4947 (personal) ...still strong in the spirit and in the struggle! <<<<=-=-= =-=-=>>>> "We simply chose an Indian as the emblem. We could have just as easily chosen any uncivilized animal." Eighth Grade student writing about his school's mascot, 1997 <<<<=-= http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/racial/ =-=>>>> IF it says: "PASS THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW...." Please Check it before you send it at: http://urbanlegends.miningco.com/library/blhoax.htm <<<<=-=-=FREE LEONARD PELTIER!!!=-=-=>>>>