A Menominee tribe leader asked Wisconsin lawmakers to rethink newly instituted rules for Indian mascots and logos, and urged them to find a compromise to foster a better relationship between the state and the 11 Indian nations at the 2014 State of the Tribes Address Thursday.
The Wisconsin Legislature passed a law Dec. 19 making it more difficult for citizens to file a complaint about a race-based mascot or logo. Citizens are now required to collect 10 percent of the adult population’s support before a complaint can be heard by legislators.
Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin Chair Laurie Boivin said she was concerned of the negative impacts these mascots will have on Indian children.
“In a court of law, victims of discrimination are not required to circulate a petition to garner support to prove the action occurred,” Boivin said. “Why is it that our children are not afforded the same consideration?”
Boivin also said she hopes legislators will continue working with the tribes to find a solution.
