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Betty Ann Gross has been working for over a year to remove the mascots from South Dakota. The support that she has received has been good from the traditional tribal members, however, the schools in the areas that have these mascots have been able to rally enough non-traditional Native people to support keeping them. This has made Betty Ann's work all the more difficult.

In discussing a time-line for a possible lawsuit, the schools and Betty Ann have underestimated the amount of time needed for everyone to research and understand the depth of the issue. The schools are very nervous about the possibility of any direct action, such as protests, and are content to explore the possibilities of instituting an educational program provided by STAR for their entire faculty.

This program has already been used in several schools with excellent results. Some schools have already made a commitment to providing the program to their teachers, school boards and ultimately the students. A program like this has the possibility of bringing some understanding to a place that sorely lacks any kind of cultural bridges. All was going well and good until a school in Woonsocket eliminated their mascot.

Suddenly, a lawyer demanded that there were no legal grounds for her lawsuit (there are) and that there are no legal precedents (there are not) and that her lawsuit would surely fail.

This lawyer is undermining all of the very peaceful and positive work that Betty Ann has done to date. She has withstood death threats, she has had her windshield shot out, and she has formed a group called the Minority Resource Center where she does all she can to help bring peaceful relations to her home in South Dakota.

What Betty needs now are people of all nations but specifically the Lakota Nation, and particularly the Santee and Teton people from Pine Ridge, because of the proximity of the schools there that have mascots, to come forward and to say they support Betty Ann's efforts.

As you read this, you must know in your hearts how important this work is that Betty Ann is doing. Even if you are not in full agreement about whether or not to remove the mascots, to get this educational program about understanding the native point of view in the schools in South Dakota would be an incredible thing.

All writings from this program are from Native people and the schools are willing to do it, but they need to know this matters to you. You can contact me through STAR, send e-mail to: STAR or send e-mail to: Betty Ann.

Thank you and please offer your support to this peaceful attempt to resolve the racism in South Dakota. Nothing more is needed but a letter stating you support her efforts.

There will also be a meeting in South Dakota on June 18th, either in Huron or in Sioux Falls. I will provide more info on that meeting and if anyone out there can make it to lend their support that would be wonderful.

Please do not upset the delicate balance that we are trying to maintain right now with any letters or contacts with the schools themselves. They are already very nervous about the amount of attention this issue is receiving. Thank you so much.

Christine Rose, Founder of STAR,

Students and Teachers Against Racism