This bill proposes the repeal of Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 121A.041, which currently prohibits the use of American Indian mascots in public schools. The repeal will take effect the day following final enactment, specifically for the 2025-2026 school year and later. The existing law outlines definitions related to American Indian identity and the prohibition against public schools adopting names, symbols, or images that depict or refer to American Indian tribes or individuals as mascots, unless an exemption is obtained.
By repealing this statute, public schools will no longer be restricted from using American Indian mascots, which could lead to a resurgence of such representations in school branding. The bill does not include any provisions for new regulations or guidelines regarding the use of mascots, effectively removing the previous requirements for compliance and reporting on the status of American Indian mascots in schools.
Statutes affected: Introduction: 121A.041