Native American mascots at schools: What's the harm? December 4, 2003, Town Hall Meeting (Los Angeles)

AB 858 (Goldberg) would prohibit public schools from using references to Native American Indians as school mascots or athletic team names including Redskins, Indians, Braves, Chiefs, Apaches, Comanches, Papooses, or any other Native American tribal name.

Some contend that the decision to change a school name, nickname, or mascot should be made at the local level. While many schools across the country have voluntarily changed their names, nicknames or mascots; some individuals maintain that a school mascot is a source of pride and symbolizes a strong tradition not only for the school, but the community and families as well and thus have chosen not to change their mascot. This meeting will give students the opportunity to weigh in on this sensitive topic.