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News :: Miscellaneous |
US Commission on Civil Rights to Rule on Statement Condemning Native Mascots |
Current rating: 0 |
by Mike Lehman (No verified email address) |
14 Mar 2001
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The News-Gazette seems to have missed this story, but it seems to be an important one locally. |
Fox News reported on March 13 that the US Commission on Civil Rights will vote next month on a statement that would condemn sports teams or mascots named after Native Americans as violations of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Commissioner Elsie Meeks, who is a Native American, brought up the issue last week. There apparently won't be any exceptions for a 'respected symbol'. Ms. Meeks said that she had received numerous complaints about mascots, such as Chief Illinwek of the University of Illinois, and stated that such images are offensive to Native Americans everywhere.
"One thing white folks say is, 'We're just trying to honor Indian people.' But stereotypes don't honor anybody. We think it treads upon civil rights."
The statement, composed by Ms. Meeks, states that the Commission believes that such use of mascots may violate Title IV of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, prohibiting any discrimination in any program that receives federal funds.
Furthermore, the statement says that such use of "culturally insensitive displays" may violate Title II, which provides that all people are entitled to "free and equal enjoyment" of public places.
Two members of the eight member committee objected to the statement, but a vote will be taken on April 13. The vote will not have the force of law, but resolutions of the Commission influence legislators dealing with civil rights. |
See also:
http://worldnetdaily.com/frame/direct.asp?SITE=foxnews.com/national/031301/mascots.sml |