BANGOR, Maine — The use of Indian nicknames for sports teams will be the topic of a symposium in Bangor.
The free symposium will feature panels including representatives from Maine’s four Native American tribes, media representatives, school administrators, students and community members.
The event will begin at 1 p.m., Saturday at the Bangor Public Library.
In April, 2001, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights recommended that all non-Native American schools drop their Native American mascots or nicknames. The commission declared that their use encourages biases and prejudices that have a negative effect on contemporary Indian people.
Sponsors say that to date, more than 220 schools, colleges and institutions have eliminated Native American nicknames and mascots.
For in-depth coverage of this issue, pick up tomorrow’s Bangor Daily News or read the story on bangordailynews.com
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