Ongoing Advocacy
According to the PA Youth Congress, there are still 64 race-based mascots within the Pennsylvania public school system. Despite recent changes within two districts, this remains an issue at large.
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While CNA respects that many people have their own opinions on Native Mascots, reliable research proves the harm to both Native and non-Native students and adults. These mascots allow room for racial superiority and opens doors for discrimination and disrespect to other marginalized groups and peoples.
LEGISLATION TO BE INTRODUCED IN PA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO BAN NATIVE MASCOTRY IN PENNSYLVANIA'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The Coalition of Natives and Allies is thrilled to announce our partnership with PA Representative Chris Rabb on legislative efforts to rid the state of Native American Mascots.
The forthcoming legislation will ban schools receiving funds from the Commonwealth from holding or adopting Native American-themed mascots, nicknames and logos.
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This partnership is monumental in the demand for the recognition of and respect for the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island. Coupled with our legislation for Land Acknowledgement within the House, this is one step closer to true equality of peoples in the United States of America.
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You can view the announcement via our October town hall with Rep. Rabb on the right and read his memoranda here.
Student leaders, parents, alumni, community members, and tribal affiliates launched the campaign to “Retire the Raider” in Twin Valley School District last summer. All 5 schools promote the Indigenous “Raider” mascot, referring to the school community as a “tribe.” Those in favor of changing the mascot have been ignored and eventually denied the opportunity to speak directly with the School Board and District administration on the issue.
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Join the movement by emailing Twin Valley’s administrators HERE.
For more information, keep up with us @RetireTheRaider on social media. Please email us at retiretheraider@gmail.com with any questions.
Since 2012, Neshaminy School District has fought to keep their race-based mascot despite direct complaints from Native Americans, including those with children in the district. In 2013, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission ordered the school to remove all names and imagery associated with the district. The Board President has since spent over $400,000 of taxpayer money appealing the ruling.
Alumni and community members of the SASD began the petition for discussion of the change of the district mascot, the R-word, in 2020. Statements from supporters of the movement have been given multiple times, but the board has not allowed appropriate time for discussion during meetings.
Take action by signing the petition below or sending an e-mail to Superintendent Dr. Jill Daloisio at jdaloisio@sayresd.org or Board President Pete Quattrini at pquattrini@sayresd.org.
