An activist in Oregon plans to file a civil rights complaint with the Department of Education over the use of Indian mascots in public schools.

Sam Sachs, a member of the Portland Human Rights Commission, helped the Oregon Board of Education develop a ban on the use of Native American names, symbols or images as mascots. But the policy was modified by Senate Bill 1509, which allows schools to keep their mascots with tribal permission.

Gov. John Kitzhaber (D) signed the bill into law last week. Sachs said the measure puts Indian students at risk by failing to ensure a school environment free of discrimination and bullying.

The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, the Oregon Indian Education Association and the National Indian Education Association support the ban on Indian mascots. But the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians and the Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde said they should be able to approve certain mascots.

Get the Story:
Man plans suit over American Indian mascot bill (The Salem Statesman Journal 3/13)
Oregon Native American mascot fight may be headed to court (The Oregonian 3/11)

Related Stories:
Oregon governor expected to sign bill to allow Indian mascots (02/27)
Oregon lawmakers weigh another bill to allow Indian mascots (2/25)
Editorial: Missed opportunity with veto of Oregon mascot bill (8/19)