Racist if you do, racist if you don’t: The Native American mascot controversy

As districts grapple with state laws and policies meant to curb the imagery, the Trump administration is calling those measures discriminatory.

Published Aug. 11, 2025

Education Dive

Naaz Modan Senior Reporter

Racist If You Do, Racist If You Don’t: The Native American Mascot Controversy

By Naaz Modan (Senior Reporter) – K12 Dive, published August 11, 2025 Source: k12dive.com (Racist if you do, racist if you don’t: The Native American mascot controversy)

Minnesota’s Collaborative Path Forward

In Deer River, Minnesota, a three-year ordeal resulted in district mascot approval: the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe formally approved the school’s spear-and-feather mascot design under a 2025 Minnesota law amendment. The legislation now permits districts to use Native imagery only with consent from their American Indian Parent Advisory Committee and primary tribal partner—recognizing tribal sovereignty and fostering respectful community dialogue.

The National Debate Intensifies

The controversy extends beyond Minnesota: the Biden Administration reversed course by framing bans as discriminatory under Title VI, targeting New York’s state restrictions via federal pushback. In a high-profile case, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights launched investigations into the Massapequa and Connetquot school districts over their Native American mascots. Secretary Linda McMahon condemned the bans as erasing local traditions and accused states like New York of institutional bias.

Research on Psychological Harm

The American Psychological Association’s longstanding stance (dating back nearly two decades) opposes Native American mascots. Research reveals that such imagery harms Native youth self-esteem, educational aspirations, and mental health. Social science findings emphasize that even seemingly positive stereotypes reinforce harmful, one-dimensional views, exacerbating racial inequities.

Native Perspectives are Diverse

Views range widely among Native communities. The Native American Guardians Association, for example, supports respectful cultural use, provided it’s accurate and rooted in tribal tradition. Still, critics—including the Native American Rights Fund and the National Indian Education Association—argue that portrayal by non-Native institutions perpetuates mockery, not honor. They assert that using imagery without tribal approval crosses into cultural appropriation.

Legal Landscape and Ownership of Decision

Laws vary across states: Minnesota, California, New York, Oregon, Colorado, Michigan, Nevada, and others have banned Native mascots or require tribal approval. In New York, districts face loss of state aid if they don’t retire inappropriate mascots by June 2025—unless tribal approval is secured. However, federal intervention in New York sends conflicting signals, challenging state-level decisions and prompting debates about local vs. federal authority.

Policy Impacts and Costs

Deer River avoided an estimated $300,000 rebranding cost by securing tribal consent. Massapequa, in New York, faced legal pushback and federal pressure while challenging the state’s ban—highlighting drastic consequences for districts navigating this complex terrain.

Takeaways for Educators

• Center tribal voices and sovereignty: Locally driven approaches with consent build legitimacy and trust.

• Prioritize student well-being: Research shows Native mascots carry documented harms to Native youth.

• Prepare for dual pressures: Educators face layered expectations—respecting cultural sensitivity while navigating legal and political pushback.

• Use this moment as an opportunity: Revisiting mascots can be a teachable moment about cultural respect, equity, and history.

Final Thought

The Native American mascot debate epitomizes broader issues of race, representation, and power in education. But the path forward lies in community-led, research-informed collaboration—not simplistic reversals or top-down mandates.

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com