California became the first state to ban public schools from using “Redskins” as a team name, nickname or mascot on Sunday in a move applauded by Native American activists.
Signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown (D), the California Racial Mascots Act, authored by Assemblyman Luis Alejo (D), outlaws schools’ use of the slur effective Jan. 1, 2017.
Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter and National Congress of American Indians Executive Director Jackie Pata, who lead the advocacy group Change the Mascot, praised Alejo and Brown in a joint statement.
“They have set a shining example for other states across the country, and for the next generation, by demonstrating a commitment to the American ideals of inclusion and mutual respect,” they wrote.
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