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WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), a senior member of the House Resources Committee and a member of the Congressional Native American Caucus, introduces the Native Act to Transform Imagery in Various Environments (NATIVE) in the House of Representatives and submits corresponding opening statement into the Congressional Record.

"Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. Introducing the Native Act to Transform Imagery in Various Environments (NATIVE) Act September 26, 2002

"I rise today as a member of the Native American Caucus to introduce the Native Act to Transform Imagery in Various Environments (NATIVE) Act. This bill would provide funding for the establishment of an incentive program for schools to eliminate the use of names and symbols that are offensive to Native American people.

"Many elementary and secondary schools across the country use words and symbols representing their schools that are demeaning to Native Americans. Nationally, more than 1,200 schools inappropriately use such offensive names or nicknames, often these become mascots. In addition, these names or symbols are used at athletic games for mascot characters, chants and other antics.

"While I believe the intentions of these school communities is not to disrespect or harm Native Americans, that is the end result of allowing these offensive terms to continue in these educational institutions.

"Once this bill is signed into law, the Secretary of Education would be authorized to make grants to eligible schools to assist such schools to discontinue use of a derogatory or discriminatory name or depiction as a team name, mascot, or nickname. Funding would be provided to schools to change their names and symbols on all equipment and apparel throughout the institution, including on team jerseys, signs, stationary, walls, fields and gymnasium floors. Schools participating in the program may also qualify for construction or renovation funds.

"Given that the president's No Child Left Behind education plan does not include construction and renovation funding (with the exception of immediate danger areas), this would be a major incentive for schools to replace their offensive names and logos. Because of the federal government's trust responsibility and obligations to tribal governments, tribally-controlled schools would be eligible for construction or renovation funds, regardless of whether or not they alter their names and symbols.

Opening Statement

"The legislation would also provide for the establishment of a Committee of American Indian Relations to conduct cultural proficiency trainings at schools participating in the program to further assist the school communities with understanding and changing their behavior. The Committee would also assist the Secretary with reviewing proposals submitted by schools for eligibility determination and funding of grant purposes. The Committee would be headed by a Director, selected by the Secretary in consultation with tribal governments.

"This program would receive federal funding for five years. During the first two years of the program, some funding would be devoted to establishing the Committee, identifying schools interested in participating and then working with those schools to actually change the offensive names and symbols. Over the remaining three years, funding would be devoted to any necessary construction and renovation required at the school sites.

"I have developed this legislation in consultation with representatives from the National Indian Education Association, the Indian Teacher and Educational Personnel Program, the Capital Area Indian Resource Center and the California Rural Indian Health Board and would like to thank these tribal organizations and their staff for their commitment to bringing this bill to fruition.

"The idea for this legislation came from a similar bill proposed in the California state legislature. The California bill would have mandated that all schools in the state with offensive Native American names and symbols change their identifying features in order to continue receiving state funding. This bill failed to receive the votes necessary to become state law.

"I believe that forcing educational institutions to adhere to a new procedure without preparing them for such a change can have negative consequences. Educating the school community about why such change is important, and gradually gaining their support can make the transition easier and oftentimes leads to positive results.

"This is why I am introducing this bill that would not mandate schools change, but instead provide incentives and activities building awareness in school communities as to why these names and symbols are not appropriate in educational environments.

"I urge my colleagues to support and vote in favor of the Native Act to Transform Imagery in Various Environments (NATIVE)."