Sponsor
Frank Pallone
Representative · D-NJ
Representative · D-NJ
Recognizes the federal trust responsibility and documents harm caused by Native American mascots in K–12 schools, citing research and institutional findings.
The resolution advances equity and tribal recognition by encouraging removal of Native American mascots—improving school climate and reducing stereotyping—but creates financial burdens for schools/taxpayers and may provoke local backlash over tradition.
American Indian and Alaska Native students experience reduced stigma and a healthier school climate if schools remove harmful mascots and imagery, improving their daily wellbeing and educational environment.
Non‑Native students may develop more accurate understandings of Indigenous peoples and reduced prejudice when stereotypical imagery and mascots are removed from schools.
The resolution affirms federal recognition of tribal sovereignty and the trust responsibility, reinforcing federal attention and potential policy or resource support for tribal education needs.
Schools and school districts (over 1,900 K–12 schools) and local taxpayers could face substantial one-time and administrative costs to change names, mascots, signage, uniforms, and related materials.
Some local communities, alumni, and stakeholders may perceive loss of tradition or identity, creating local friction, protests, or legal disputes over mascot and name changes.
If the resolution prompts federal intervention or mandates to enforce changes, taxpayers could incur additional costs for enforcement and transition assistance beyond local district expenses.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Official title: Calling on the Secretary of Education to work with stakeholders to immediately eliminate race-based Native logos, mascots, and names from State educational institutions, and calling on State educational institutions and national sports franchises to cease the unsanctioned use of such logos, mascots, and names.
Introduced February 9, 2026 by Frank Pallone · Last progress February 9, 2026
Recognizes and states that the United States has a unique trust relationship and legal responsibilities to American Indian and Alaska Native peoples, notes there are 574 federally recognized Tribes (about 40% in Alaska), and calls attention to the widespread use of Native American names, images, and symbols as K–12 school mascots. Observes that more than 1,900 schools use inappropriate names or symbols, summarizes research finding harm to Native youth and misleading portrayals of Native peoples, and cites professional and scholarly findings that stereotypical mascots produce negative impacts on Native communities and contribute to racism and misperception.