[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 125 (Monday, September 30, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1700]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1700]]
INTRODUCING THE NATIVE ACT TO TRANSFORM IMAGERY IN VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTS 
                              (NATIVE) ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 2002

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of the Native 
American Caucus to introduce the Native Act to Transform Imagery in 
Various Environments (NATIVE) Act. This bill would provide funding for 
the establishment of an incentive program for schools to eliminate the 
use of names and symbols that are offensive to Native American people.
  Many elementary and secondary schools across the country use words 
and symbols representing their schools that are demeaning to Native 
Americans. Nationally, more than 1,200 schools inappropriately use such 
offensive names or nicknames, often these become mascots. In addition, 
these names or symbols are used at athletic games for mascot 
characters, chants and other antics.
  While I believe the intentions of these school communities is not to 
disrespect or harm Native Americans, that is the end result of allowing 
these offensive terms to continue in these educational institutions.
  Once this bill is signed into law, the Secretary of Education would 
be authorized to make grants to eligible schools to assist such schools 
to discontinue use of a derogatory or discriminatory name or depiction 
as a team name, mascot, or nickname. Funding would be provided to 
schools to change their names and symbols on all equipment and apparel 
throughout the institution, including on team jerseys, signs, 
stationary, walls, fields and gymnasium floors. Schools participating 
in the program may also qualify for construction or renovation funds.
  Given that the president's No Child Left Behind education plan does 
not include construction and renovation funding (with the exception of 
immediate danger areas), this would be a major incentive for schools to 
replace their offensive names and logos. Because of the federal 
government's trust responsibility and obligations to tribal 
governments, tribally-controlled schools would be eligible for 
construction or renovation funds, regardless of whether or not they 
alter their names and symbols.
  The legislation would also provide for the establishment of a 
Committee of American Indian Relations to conduct cultural proficiency 
trainings at schools participating in the program to further assist the 
school communities with understanding and changing their behavior. The 
Committee would also assist the Secretary with reviewing proposals 
submitted by schools for eligibility determination and funding of grant 
purposes. The Committee would be headed by a Director, selected by the 
Secretary in consultation with tribal governments.
  This program would receive federal funding for five years. During the 
first two years of the program, some funding would be devoted to 
establishing the Committee, identifying schools interested in 
participating and then working with those schools to actually change 
the offensive names and symbols. Over the remaining three years, 
funding would be devoted to any necessary construction and renovation 
required at the school sites.
  I have developed this legislation in consultation with 
representatives from the National Indian Education Association, the 
Indian Teacher and Educational Personnel Program, the Capital Area 
Indian Resource Center and the California Rural Indian Health Board and 
would like to thank these tribal organizations and their staff for 
their commitment to bringing this bill to fruition.
  The idea for this legislation came from a similar bill proposed in 
the California state legislature. The California bill would have 
mandated that all schools in the state with offensive Native American 
names and symbols change their identifying features in order to 
continue receiving state funding. This bill failed to receive the votes 
necessary to become state law.
  I believe that forcing educational institutions to adhere to a new 
procedure without preparing them for such a change can have negative 
consequences. Educating the school community about why such change is 
important, and gradually gaining their support can make the transition 
easier and oftentimes leads to positive results.
  This is why I am introducing this bill that would not mandate schools 
change, but instead provide incentives and activities building 
awareness in school communities as to why these names and symbols are 
not appropriate in educational environments.
  I urge my colleagues to support and vote in favor of the Native Act 
to Transform Imagery in Various Environments (NATIVE) Act.

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