No More Native American Mascots or Logos for Minnesota Public Schools

A new law, which went into effect yesterday, bans public schools in Minnesota from having mascots, logos, or nicknames tied to Native American or Indigenous cultures.

Across the country, many schools and sports teams have already changed their team names as a result of pressure from indigenous communities and allies who have been vocal about the team names and logos coming across as racist caricatures, rather than respectful homages. This is incredibly problematic when coupled with the violence and bloodshed indigenous communities experienced at the hands of white settlers, and the continued systemic oppression of indigenous tribes today.

In Minnesota, a few schools need to adjust their names, including the Benson Braves (Benson, MN), Deer River Warriors (Deer River, MN), Esko Eskomos (Esko, MN), Menahga Braves (Menahga, MN), Sleepy Eye Indians (Sleepy Eye, MN), Warroad Warriors (Warroad, MN), and the Wheaton Warriors (Wheaton, MN).

There has been opposition from groups in both Sleepy Eye and Warroad who claim their teams are named after real historical figures or events and, therefore, should be exempt.

What do y’all think?