HR208: HR208 General Assembly; prohibit use of racially derogatory or discriminatory school mascots, logos, or team names in Georgia public schools

This resolution addresses school mascots, logos, and team names in Georgia public schools that single out groups, particularly Native Americans, for derision or cultural appropriation. It does not create a new law itself. Instead, it expresses the House's position and urges two things. First, it urges the full Georgia General Assembly to pass a prohibition on racially derogatory or discriminatory school mascots, logos, or team names in Georgia's public schools. Second, it urges local boards of education, school superintendents, and other public school leaders to prohibit such mascots, logos, and team names in their own schools. The resolution also directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of it to local school boards, superintendents, and school leaders across the state.

• Formally expresses the House's view that racially derogatory or discriminatory school mascots, logos, and team names should be prohibited in Georgia public schools.
• Urges, but does not require by law, the Georgia General Assembly to pass a prohibition on such mascots, logos, and team names.
• Urges local boards of education, school superintendents, and other public school leaders to voluntarily prohibit such mascots, logos, and team names in their own districts.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to distribute copies of the resolution to local school boards, superintendents, and school leaders.

Georgia's more than 1.7 million public school students, local boards of education, school superintendents, and other public school leaders who oversee mascot, logo, and team name choices, and the Georgia General Assembly, which the resolution asks to take future legislative action.

Because this is a resolution rather than a binding law, no school is required to change a mascot, logo, or team name right now. Its practical effect is to put pressure on lawmakers and local school officials to act, and it puts on record the House's stance on the issue.

• The preamble (whereas clauses) states that over 1.7 million children attend Georgia public schools and that certain mascots, logos, and team names uniquely single out Native Americans for derision.
• Cites conclusions from groups including the United States Commission on Civil Rights that such names, symbols, or images in school sports are a barrier to equality and understanding.
• First resolved clause urges the Georgia General Assembly to prohibit racially derogatory or discriminatory school mascots, logos, or team names in Georgia public schools.
• Second resolved clause urges local boards of education, superintendents, and school leaders to prohibit such mascots, logos, or team names in their own schools.
• Third resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to local school boards, superintendents, and public school leaders.

1. 2025-02-12House Second Readers (House)
2. 2025-02-11House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-10House Hopper (House)

• Kim Schofield (D, HD-063)Primary sponsor
• Dewey McClain (D, HD-109)
• Sandra Scott (D, HD-076)
• Gabriel Sanchez (D, HD-042)
• Park Cannon (D, HD-058)

• school mascots
• Native American representation
• public schools
• education policy