EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Board of Education heard five hours of testimony Friday as it considers a rule that would ban Indian mascots and logos at schools. The rule would force changes at 8 state high schools with teams known as the Indians, Braves or Chieftains that would strip state funding from any school or district that continues to use a Native American mascot after July 1, 2017. Seven other schools known as the Warriors would be able to keep that name as long as no Native American images were associated with it. Now opponents of the ban are seeking a waiver to allow districts to work out agreements with local tribes. A vote is expected at the board’s meeting on May 17.The public has until noon on May 17 to comment on the proposed rule.
E-mail comments to: ODE.NativeAmericanMascots@state.or.us
