[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 58 (Friday, May 12, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E825]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              THE PROTECTION OF UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE ACT

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                             HON. DAN BOREN

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2006

  Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, on May 9, 2006, I withdrew my support for 
H.R. 5289, the Protection of University Governance Act. I cosponsored 
the legislation believing at the time that it would help schools such 
as Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant recoup costs 
associated with eliminating offensive mascots. Upon further inspection 
it is clear to me that this bill does not achieve that goal. Rather, 
this bill helps those schools that refuse to change and I cannot 
support that effort.
  Changing a mascot is a costly proposition for a public college or 
university. For this reason, I feel our public institutions that have 
voluntarily decided to no longer associate themselves with offensive 
mascots need whatever assistance we can provide to them. Additionally, 
I feel that easing the financial burden of this undertaking could also 
encourage other schools to follow this responsible course of action.

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