Indian Mascots and Logos

Why they hurt ALL Wisconsin students.

Talking Points for Allies

ACT 250

• Passed in May of 2010• Provides a PROCESS for residents of school

districts, who object to the use of race based logos and mascots, to file a compliant against schools that use Race Based mascots and logos.

• Complaint is heard by the State Superintendent

Why ACT 250 is important.

• Residents of school districts can go straight to State Superintendent to hear compliant instead of local school boards.

• Does not wipe out logos. Provides a path of discussion.

• One person can make a difference.

Arguments against ACT 250.

• Schools should not have to change logo/mascot because of one voice.

• Too much Government involvement.• Logos/Mascots are not racist, get over it!

What the research says….

• Stephanie Ann Fryberg; Stanford University• Looked at the effects of “Pocahontas, Chief

Wahoo, or negative stereotypes” on both American Indian and Euro-American students.

• American Indian students reported depressed self esteem and collective self efficacy.

• Euro-American students enjoyed a boost in self esteem.

Groups that Support this Research

• American Psychological Association• American Sociological Association• Stanford University

Other Studies and Results

• Dr. Chu Kim Prieto et. al– Concluded students exposed to “Indian” nicknames

and logos increased their stereotyping of other minority groups

Dr Jesse Steinfeldt et. al-documented high levels of hurtful rhetoric and cyber bullying in communities where a logo complaint is filed. While trying to explain the “honoring”, threats and cyber attacks are made.

What that means to Wisconsin Students.

• Our American Indian students, when exposed to Indian logos/mascots, loose self esteem and confidence within their communities.

• Our Euro-American students, when exposed to Indian logos/mascots, have a “false” sense of superiority, a “false” increase in self esteem and tend to reflect stereotyping onto all minority groups. This increases invisible attitudes of “White Privilege.”

Proposal to repeal ACT 250

• State Senators Mary Lazich and Neal Kedzie, along with State Representatives Andre Jacque and Steve Nass.

• Proposed and drafted a bill to repeal ACT 250.• 2011 Assembly Bill 26

What we can do!

• Call, email, write our State legislators and tell them NOT to support 2011 Assembly Bill 26!

• Write letters to the local newspapers• Use social media• Talk to each other

Why We Should Support ACT 250

• Acknowledge and support First Nations people and communities.

• Discrimination and stereotypes hurt ALL Wisconsin students.

• To prepare students for the future, we need to set example of how to “honor” diversity in a respectful way.

• Bad for Economic development if Wisconsin is known to be racist and discriminatory.

Sources

• Wisconsin Indian Education Association “Indian” Mascot and Logo Task Force

• http://legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/data/AB-26