HB1261: prohibiting the use of Native American mascots in public schools, colleges, and universities.

HB 1261 - AS INTRODUCED

2022 SESSION

22-2318

04/05

HOUSE BILL 1261

AN ACT prohibiting the use of Native American mascots in public schools, colleges, and universities.

SPONSORS: Rep. Cannon, Straf. 18; Rep. Cushing, Rock. 21; Rep. Vail, Hills. 30; Rep. Tucker, Coos 5; Rep. Ellis, Straf. 8; Rep. Bartlett, Merr. 19; Sen. Kahn, Dist 10; Sen. Watters, Dist 4

COMMITTEE: Education

ANALYSIS

This bill prohibits a public educational institution from using a Native American mascot, except under certain circumstances.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

22-2318

04/05

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Two

AN ACT prohibiting the use of Native American mascots in public schools, colleges, and universities.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Legislative Intent. The general court finds that:

I. The presence and use of derogatory Native American mascots, including images and names, creates an unsafe learning environment for Native American students by creating serious negative impacts on those students' mental health and by promoting bullying of Native American students.

II. Native American mascots teach non-Native American children inaccurate information about Native American culture and teach them that it is acceptable to participate in culturally abusive and prejudicial behaviors.

2 New Chapter; Prohibition on Use of Native American Mascots. Amend RSA by inserting after chapter 188-H the following new chapter:

CHAPTER 188-I

PROHIBITION ON USE OF NATIVE AMERICAN MASCOTS

188-I:1 Definitions. In this chapter:

I. "Native American mascot" means a name, symbol, or image that depicts or refers to a Native American tribe, individual, custom, or tradition that is used as a mascot, nickname, logo, letterhead, or team name for the school.

II. "Public educational institution" means a public elementary or secondary school, component institution of the university system or community college system of New Hampshire, vocational school, junior college, or other educational institution that is supported in whole or in part by general fund money.

188-I:2 Native American Mascots Prohibited. No public educational institution shall use a Native American mascot, image, or name after January 1, 2024.

3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2024.