Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a subcommittee to consider the use of American Indian mascots in schools.

Highlights:

• Establishes a subcommittee of 9 American Indian tribe members to consider the use of an “American Indian mascot” in public schools until September 1, 2025 (Secs. 1 & 4).

• Defines “American Indian mascot” as a name, symbol, or image that depicts or refers to an American Indian tribe, individual, custom, or tradition (Sec. 3).

• Requires a public school, institute charter school, or public institution of higher education that uses an American Indian mascot to perform the following actions by October 1, 2015 (Sec. 2):
• The school ceases using the mascot; or
• The school requests approval of the mascot’s use or another American Indian mascot from the subcommittee.

• Requires a school to cease using a mascot within 2 years if the subcommittee disapproves its use (Sec. 2).

• Establishes a fine of $25,000 for each month that a public school continues to use a disapproved American Indian mascot after the 2-year period (Sec. 2). 

• Authorizes a school to apply for a grant from the “American Indian Mascot Fund” to pay for new uniforms, decor, letterhead, and other necessary modifications (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text