GOP wants to make racist mascots ok

The Wisconsin legislature under Democratic control did something in 2009 that should have been done years ago: it passed a bill that allowed people in communities “to file a complaint with the local school board over the use of offensive nicknames, logos or mascots.” FORWARD! Well, not so fast. With the GOP in charge in 2011, Republican Steve Nass is looking to repeal the bill. BACKWARD!

A Republican lawmaker wants to undo a new state law aimed at eliminating Indian mascots and other race-based team names and logos in Wisconsin public schools.

Rep. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater, has drafted legislation to repeal the law, which allows any school district resident to file a complaint with the local school board over the use of offensive nicknames, logos or mascots. The state school superintendent can then order districts to stop using such symbols if they promote discrimination, harassment or stereotyping.