When Michael S. Wells joined the U.S. Army immediately after graduating from Colville High School in Colville, Wash., in 2004, he didn’t know what he was getting into.
On April 20, 2008, Michael S. Wells and his platoon found themselves in a deadly firefight in Sadr City, Iraq, in which Wells managed to kill enemy combatants and allow his platoon to continue its mission.
Inslee wasted little time signing legislation sent to him by the Washington Legislature to phase out “inappropriate” Native mascots.
“This bill will end the disrespectful use of Native American imagery in our public schools,” Inslee said at a private signing ceremony streamed from in his office.
The new law includes an option that could allow some schools to keep using team names like Chiefs, Braves, Indians or Tomahawks. School administrators would need to consult with a nearby Tribe and win permission for respectful use beyond January 1, 2022.
Several school districts in central and eastern Washington have already begun those conversations with Tribal leaders.
Native-themed school mascots on borrowed time in Washington state unless nearby tribe approves
Washington public schools with Native American-themed team names or mascots have a decision to make now that Gov. Jay Inslee has signed into law a ban on such symbols. The schools have until year s end to find a new mascot or try to win the blessing of a nearby tribe for continued use under an exception.
Inslee on Monday wasted little time signing legislation sent to him last week by the Washington Legislature to phase out inappropriate tribal mascots. This bill will end the disrespectful use of Native American imagery in our public schools, Inslee said at a private signing ceremony streamed from in his office.
Rebecca White / Spokane Public Radio
Washington public schools with Native American-themed team names or mascots have a decision to make now that Gov. Jay Inslee has signed into law a ban on such symbols. The schools have until year s end to find a new mascot or try to win the blessing of a nearby tribe for continued use under an exception.
Inslee on Monday wasted little time signing legislation sent to him last week by the Washington Legislature to phase out inappropriate tribal mascots. This bill will end the disrespectful use of Native American imagery in our public schools, Inslee said at a private signing ceremony streamed from in his office.