CITY OF HUTCHINSON KANSAS
BANS INDIAN MASCOT
IN PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS

FBI Investigates Local Hate Crimes

January 25, 2000, American Comments Web Magazine-

Following two racial hate threats against a Native American family made from nearby Little River Kansas, the Hutchinson Human Relations Commission has condemned the practice of classifying "Indians" as mascots. Identifying the cause and effect of public school usage of the hate name redskin, indians, warriors, braves and the perpetration of racial hate threats, the City of Hutchinson has moved to end this discrimination in their city. A Human Relations Commissioner who asked not to be identified said this resolution is a direct response to the hate crimes committed and covered up by Little River Kansas residents calling themselves Redskin Indians.

Sixteen year old Jason Cannon of Little River, confessed to making racial hate threats against a McPherson family in February of 1999. He was never charged in criminal court. Matthew Richter was targeted because of his opposition to Little River schools use of anti-Native American racial hate as part of school curriculum. The FBI, at the request of Congressman Jerry Moran and under pressure by the Native American community, the national office of the NAACP and two local branches of the NAACP has launched an investigation into a second unprosecuted racial hate threat.

Recognizing that even though racial hate is protected under free speech, commissioner Joni Tucker-Nisbeth emphatically stressed that government supported accommodations and programs cannot, by law, protect or allow bigotry. She stated the City of Hutchinson through the Human Relations Commission, has an obligation to educate the public, to denounce the use of derogatory names, mascots and/or symbols that depict false and offensive characteristics and to protect citizens from racial harassment.

"To be perfectly clear I'm talking about people playing redskin indians using public facilities to promote racial hate and to exhibit this mockery of religious and cultural symbols."

Hutchinson Human Relations Administrative officer, Lana Reed, emphasized the Commission is committed to pressing ahead with its job of guiding the City Council in matters of discrimination against citizens. Ms. Reed express her belief that the extensive research conducted to draft this resolution coupled with the Commission's plans to provide public education will better address discrimination in the City of Hutchinson.

Chairperson Julie Rodriguez has sent a letter of notification to the Hutchinson News calling for mutual cooperation from citizens and agencies to address the issue. The commission encourages written resolutions and support for legislation from the Kansas Human Relations Association, the Hutchinson/Reno County Branch NAACP and Hutchinson Community College.

Immediately following the passing of this resolution, Governor Bill Graves Office of Native American Affairs, released a formal statement of support for the action by the City of Hutchinson Kansas. The National Association of Governors has two formal resolutions against Indian mascots.

 

HHRC: R-1-00 RESOLUTION CONDEMNING USE OF
DEROGATORY TEAM NAMES, MASCOTS AND SYMBOLS

PHOTO ESSAYS | VETERANS | HISTORY | "INDIAN" MASCOT

Matthew Richter, 2000