House Bill 1356; Native American Names, Symbols, or Images for Public Schools
Recently, Governor Inslee signed House Bill 1356 related to the use of Native American names, symbols (mascots), or images for public school use. The bill was brought forth by the House of Representatives, passed on the Senate floor, and enacted into law. The law, relating to prohibiting the inappropriate use of Native American names, symbols, or images as public school mascots, logos, or team names, goes into effect July 25, 2021.
The House Bill provides the opportunity for local Tribes to determine whether or not public schools located near, serving children and families from a Sovereign Nation in its schools, or in the geographical boundaries of the school district, have the option to require the public school district and its schools to cease the use of Native American names, symbols, or images.
In the Marysville School District, two schools, Marysville Pilchuck High School, home of the Tomahawks, and Totem Middle School, home of the Thunderbirds, meet the criteria for this requirement.
In support of the House Bill, and to end the use of potentially racially derogatory or discriminatory school mascots, logos, or team names in public schools that are contradictory to the schools’ and school district’s mission of providing an equal education to all, the Tulalip Tribes Board of Directors have directed the school district to take appropriate action to enact the new law to change the mascots. Both school names will remain the same.
The District wants our students, families, staff, and community members to know that the change process and move to the selection of new mascots, names, and symbols for the two schools will be a public process in accordance with the new law and in consultation with a third party to facilitate the process.
The substitute house bill as amended by the Senate is linked HERE for further information.
For more information, contact the Marysville School District at (360) 965-0000 or email communications@msd25.org.