Two lawmakers call on Ohio schools to drop Native American mascots

 If a couple of Ohio lawmakers have their way, high school athletic mascots such as the Girard Indians, Warren G. Harding Raiders, Badger Braves, Brookfield, and West Branch Warriors will become a thing of the past.

Two Democratic representatives in the statehouse, Adam Miller of Columbus and Jessica Miranda of Forest Park are calling on Ohio's schools to retire the use of Native American mascots and to engage Native American groups as part of that process.

The two Democrats have introduced a resolution in the Ohio House inspired by the recent announcement that the Cleveland Indians baseball team plans to change its name to the Guardians.

According to the Ohio High School Athletic Association, 79 high schools in the state have Native American nicknames and mascots. The list includes 24 with the name Indians, 11 with Redskins, and five with Redmen. Others included Apaches, Arrows, Braves, Chieftains, Chipps, Mohawks, Raiders, Seminoles, Senecas, and Warriors.

"School spirit is about the teachers, students, community, and even the building. Many schools with Native American mascots are stepping up, moving in the right direction," said Rep. Miller. "We need to all work together and make these mascots a thing of the past."

"We're sending a message that hurtful stereotypes have no place in Ohio," said Rep. Miranda. "This resolution is just one of many measures needed to address the injustices Native Americans have faced in this state."

The resolution calls on schools and athletic teams to work with the State Board of Education, school district boards, interested parties, and the government to obtain resources and technical assistance necessary for retiring the use of Native American mascots.