Change Is Coming To Schools With Native 'Mascots' and Team Names

Many school districts across the country choose to represent themselves using mascots that dehumanize native cultures and derive pride from harmful stereotypes about them. On Today's Show: John Kane , Mohawk activist, member of the New York State Indigenous Mascot Advisory Council, and host of the shows Let's Talk Native and Resistance Radio with John Kane, discusses the New York State Board of Regents decision to ban school team names and mascots that reference indigenous people. Update: Officials from the New York State Education Department reached out after hearing the segment and shared the information below: "Additional guidance from the Department is forthcoming but that guidance will mirror the language in the regulation. Each district will need to review the history and current potential of its team name, mascot, or imagery on a case-by-case basis. The Department can provide assistance to any school or district that have questions. The Department’s position is that any team names, logos, or mascots that contain vestiges of prohibited team names, logos, or mascots will not be considered acceptable."