Dear Community,
Last session, I introduced legislation with Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn to ban the continued use of Native names, logos, or mascots in our schools. This outdated practice has been openly condemned by the National Congress of American Indians, and is a blatant form of discrimination. It promotes an insensitive narrative that caricatures and inaccurately represents Native communities, and must end immediately.
Furthermore, studies have shown that the use of Native mascots can be psychologically damaging to Native individuals. In particular, it affects adolescents who are exposed to this method of stereotyping and are especially vulnerable to the use of Native misrepresentation in schools. These mascots have contributed to worsening perceptions of Native communities, both from Native and Non-native perspectives.
Additionally, organizations such as the American Psychological Association and the American Sociological Association, have called for the retirement of Native mascots. These are not new demands — these efforts have been made for over five decades, with little to no change. Though some districts have called for change on a local level, the discretion granted to individual school districts 20 years ago has impeded effective reforms. The time has come for the state to step in to prevent further tension.
The destructive tensions within local communities when confronted with this issue has been an additional point of concern, and I wanted to draw your attention to an op-ed by Alex Dery Snider from Cambridge, NY. In his article, Snider details his own community’s experience grappling with these reforms and the harmful and often racist divisions exposed in the process.
It is time for New York to take action to end this harmful practice. I hope to have your support as we continue to advocate to pass this important legislation.
With Gratitude,
State Senator Alessandra Biaggi
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