WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SD 856

An Act prohibiting the use of Native American mascots by public schools in the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Barrett and 6 co-sponsors

Prohibits public Massachusetts schools from using Native American mascots or imagery and requires MOUs to phase out existing ones within up to three years.

House concurred
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 856

Summary: Senate Docket No. 856 – An Act prohibiting the use of Native American mascots by public schools in the Commonwealth

Purpose and intent

This bill would prohibit public schools in Massachusetts from using Native American names, logos, or mascots and establish a structured process to identify, negotiate, and implement changes for schools already using such mascots. It also bars new Native American-themed mascots from being adopted. The goals are to eliminate Native American stereotypes in school branding and to foster respectful representation and cultural understanding.

Key provisions and changes

  • Identifying affected schools: The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) must compile a comprehensive list of all Massachusetts public schools and their athletic team names, logos, and mascots. The Commission on Indian Affairs (the “commission”) will identify which entries reference or associate with Native American cultures or tribes and publish the list on its website.

  • Use restrictions on identified schools: Schools on the commission-identified list may not purchase or refurbish uniforms, banners, signs, scoreboards, or other materials bearing the Native American name/logo/mascot until they reach a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with DESE (subsection (e)).

  • Review and recommendations (within 1 year): The commission must review general issues and specific concerns for schools on the list and submit recommendations to DESE on:

    • Policies to phase out or ban mascots tied to Native Americans
    • Specific schools and their team names/logos/mascots
    • Ways to increase Native American heritage knowledge and respect Tribal representatives designated by the commission or recognized by the United States may provide comments.

  • Memorandums of Understanding and timelines (within 6–9 months): After receiving recommendations, DESE must draft MOUs with each identified school. Negotiations should begin within 3 months of the recommendations; a signed MOU is required within 6 months after negotiations begin, with an implementation timeline not to exceed 3 years.

  • Funding linkage: Schools that fail to enter into or comply with MOUs would be ineligible for discretionary state education grants.

  • Flexibility and ongoing plans: Schools may voluntarily stop or phase out their Native American mascots at any time. No new public-school mascot may be adopted that references Native Americans.

  • Regulatory authority: DESE may promulgate regulations to implement the act.

  • Deadlines and effective dates:

    • List of affected schools to be completed within 3 months after the act’s effective date.
    • Section 1(h) (no new Native American mascots) becomes effective upon passage.

Who is affected

  • Public schools in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with Native American–themed mascots or logos.
  • DESE and the Commission on Indian Affairs, which will coordinate identification, negotiation, and implementation.
  • Tribal nation representatives, who may provide input during the process.
  • Schools’ athletic programs and associated funding (through discretionary state education grants).

Timeline and status

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Referred to the Education committee (Feb 27, 2025)
  • House concurred (Feb 27, 2025)
  • The bill contemplates a phased process with MOUs and a maximum 3-year implementation period for full change.

This act aims to systematically eliminate Native American mascots in public schools while engaging tribal partners and providing a clear path for schools to transition.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.