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

25 LC 49 2199 House Resolution 208 By: Representatives Schofield of the 63rd, McClain of the 109th, Scott of the 76th, Sanchez of the 42nd, and Cannon of the 58th A RESOLUTION Urging the Georgia General Assembly to prohibit the use of raci ally derogatory or1 discriminatory school mascots, logos, or team names in Georgia public schools; and for other2 purposes.3 WHEREAS, more than 1.7 million children are enrolled in Georgia's public schools; and4 WHEREAS, certain mascots, logos, or team names that are or have been used by public5 schools are uniquely discriminatory in singling out the Native American community for6 derision and cultural appropriation; and7 WHEREAS, although the inappropriate use of Native American names, symbols, or images8 may be premised on the promotion of unity or school spirit, suc h use fails to respect the9 cultural heritage of Native Americans and fails to promote productive relationships between10 sovereign governments; and11 WHEREAS, numerous individuals and organizations, including the United States12 Commission on Civil Rights, have concluded that the use of Nati ve American names,13 symbols, or images in school sports is a barrier to equality an d understanding and that all14 residents of the United States would benefit from the discontinuance of such use; and15 H. R. 208 - 1 - 25 LC 49 2199 WHEREAS, the use of racially derogatory or discriminatory school mascots, logos, or team16 names in Georgia public schools is antithetical to their missio n of providing an equal17 education to all and contrary to the goal of making schools saf e and respectful learning18 environments; and19 WHEREAS, no public school in this state has a cognizable intere st in retaining a racially20 derogatory or discriminatory school mascot, logo, or team name.21 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that22 the members of this body urge the Georgia General Assembly to prohibit the use of racially23 derogatory or discriminatory school mascots, logos, or team nam es in Georgia public24 schools.25 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body urge the elected members of26 the local boards of education, local school superintendents, and other public school leaders27 to prohibit the use of racially derogatory or discriminatory sc hool mascots, logos, or team28 names in their schools.29 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized30 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the31 elected members of the local boards of education, local school superintendents, and other32 public school leaders.33 H. R. 208 - 2 -