North Carolina

State Board of Education

Takes Action

June 6, 2002

(NCMEAG Note: This Action Statement was passed by the NC State Board of Education on June 6, 2002 on the recommendation of the NC State Advisory Council on Indian Education, a state body set up to advise the State Board of Education on education issues pertaining to American Indians. On October 31, 2002 the State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Mike Ward sent a detailed letter to 117 District Superintendents around NC describing this Action Statement, when schools need to report, and resources available on the question of Indian sport mascots in schools.):

Title: A Resolution to Recommend that the North Carolina Public Schools Study the Impact of American Indian Sports Mascots and Logos and Review Policies and Procedures on This Issue

· that the State Board of Education encourage all educators of the public schools of North Carolina to educate themselves on the educational, curricular, and psychological effects of using American Indian sport mascots and logos, and; that all public school administrators review their policies and procedures toward the use of American Indian sport mascots, logos, and all demeaning imagery.

· that the State Board of Education require local education agencies to annually report to the Office of the State Superintendent plans of action and actions taken regarding their review of policies and procedures toward the use of American Indian sport mascots, logos, and all demeaning imagery, including activities for educating public school personnel of the educational, curricular, and psychological effects of using American Indian sport mascots and logos. Results of activities will be reported to the State Board of Education as part of the annual report of the State Advisory Council on Indian Education.