Calling on the Secretary of Education to work with stakeholders to immediately eliminate race-based Native logos, mascots, and names from State educational institutions, and calling on State educational institutions and national sports franchises to cease the unsanctioned use of such logos, mascots, and names.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1045
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Sports and Recreation
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-09: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-18T19:54:02Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
H. Res. 1045 is a non-binding House resolution that condemns racism and discrimination against Native Americans. It urges the elimination of race-based logos, mascots, and names (such as stereotypical Native American imagery) from state educational institutions, particularly those receiving federal funds. It also calls on schools and national sports franchises to stop using these symbols without authorization, aiming to reduce harm to Native youth and promote equal educational opportunities.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Background Clauses ("Whereas"):
- Recognizes the U.S. government's historical and legal trust responsibility to American Indian and Alaska Native peoples, based on the Constitution, treaties, statutes, and court decisions.
- Notes there are 574 federally recognized Indian Tribes, with significant presence in Alaska.
- Highlights Tribes' role in educating Native students and providing facilities.
- States that over 1,900 U.S. schools use harmful Native-themed names, nicknames, mascots, chants, or symbols, often unintentionally causing disrespect.
- Cites examples of professional sports teams changing racist mascots and scientific research showing negative effects on Native youth's self-esteem, while boosting non-Native youth's self-esteem.
- References the American Psychological Association's findings that such stereotypes undermine Native cultures and portray them as prejudiced minority representations.
- Resolved Clauses:
- Condemns all racism and discrimination.
- Directs the Secretary of Education to collaborate with Tribal Nations, Native American groups, public schools (K-12), and other stakeholders to immediately remove race-based Native logos, mascots, and names from state educational institutions.
- Urges state schools and national sports franchises to end unauthorized use of these elements to combat stereotypes and support Native students' academic success without discrimination.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
This resolution introduces no binding changes to existing law, as it is a symbolic expression of the House of Representatives' views rather than enforceable legislation. It does not amend statutes or create new mandates but builds on existing federal trust obligations to Native peoples without altering them.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Education may face informal pressure to prioritize consultations with Tribes and schools on this issue, potentially influencing grant conditions or guidance for federally funded institutions, though not legally required.
- On Citizens: Native American students and communities could benefit from reduced exposure to harmful stereotypes in schools, potentially improving self-esteem and academic performance. Non-Native students and school communities might need to adapt traditions, leading to cultural shifts in educational environments.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but it reinforces U.S. commitments to indigenous rights, which could align with international standards like the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
- Overall, it may encourage voluntary changes in over 1,900 schools and sports teams, fostering broader awareness of cultural sensitivity without immediate enforcement.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Tribal Nations and Native American Groups: Primary beneficiaries, empowered through collaboration to address harmful representations.
- U.S. Department of Education and Secretary: Tasked with leading stakeholder efforts, especially for federally funded schools.
- State Educational Institutions (K-12 Public Schools): Directly urged to eliminate and cease use of race-based Native symbols.
- National Sports Franchises: Called upon to stop unsanctioned use, building on past examples of teams retiring such mascots.
- Native and Non-Native Students: Native youth protected from psychological harm; all students affected by changes in school culture and athletics.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: Reinforces Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution (federal powers over treaties and Indian affairs), emphasizing the government's trust duty to Native peoples without creating new legal obligations. It aligns with court precedents on tribal sovereignty but remains advisory.
- Political: Serves as a bipartisan (or at least House-initiated) statement against racism, potentially pressuring institutions amid ongoing debates on cultural appropriation. As a resolution introduced in the 119th Congress (2d Session) and referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, it highlights congressional attention to Native issues but lacks force without Senate concurrence or presidential action. It could inspire future binding legislation if momentum builds.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-09: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-02-09: Submitted in House
- 2026-02-09: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Calling on the Secretary of Education to work with stakeholders to immediately eliminate race-based Native logos, mascots, and names from State educational institutions, and calling on State educational institutions and national sports franchises to cease the unsanctioned use of such logos, mascots, and names. — issued 2026-02-09 — PDF (4 pages)