Indian educators in Wisconsin are trying to educate on the contentious mascot issue. Barb Munson chairs the Mascot and Logo Taskforce for the Wisconsin Indian Education Association. She expects the new state law regarding mascots to face a legal challenge.
“The constitutionality of the law will be decided in court, but the people of Wisconsin will seek remedies of the heart, through understanding and education,” Munson said.
The Indian educators are reaching out to Wisconsin school districts which still use race-based logos and mascots, asking them to drop them. They’re also providing resources for the districts.
“There’s really good direction here. There’s lot of interest in educational support for strengthening curriculum, and also hoping to develop partnerships for cultural partnerships and cultural exchange,” Munson said.
The WEIA has sent an open letter to all 31 districts districts that still retain the race-based “Indian” mascots logos or team names.