Limiting Native American Mascots In Colorado Passes House

DENVER (AP) - Native American mascots would be prohibited at Colorado schools unless a tribe approves, under a Democrat-sponsored bill that barely passed the state House.

The proposal passed 33-32 Wednesday, with all but one Democrat voting in favor. Every Republican was opposed.

The measure would direct schools to get permission from a panel of tribes to use or continue to use Native American mascots. Schools that don't get permission would have to stop the use within two years or face a fine of $25,000 a month.

Lawmakers changed the proposal so the state won't use tax dollars to assist schools that have to change signs and uniforms. Schools and lawmakers opposed to the bill have cited the costs to change as a major concern.

The GOP-led Senate now considers the bill.

LINK: House Bill 1165

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