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Feds dismiss state complaint regarding American Indian mascots

The U.S. Department of Education has dismissed a complaint from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights over schools’ use of American Indian mascots.

The civil rights department had argued that the images hurt Native American students’ academic performance, and create an unequal learning environment.

But federal education officials say opponents of Indian mascots and logos need to prove that they create a hostile environment for Native American students.

The Department of Civil Rights says it’s disappointed with the decision – and that it’s considering its next steps.

Here's a list of the public school districts the Michigan Department of Civil Rights has cited for their use American Indian mascots or imagery:

Athens Area Schools

Bay City Public Schools

Belding Area Schools

Birmingham Brother Rice

Woodhaven Brownstown School District

Camden-Frontier School District

Capac Community Schools

Cheboygan Area School District

Chesaning Union Schools

Chippewa Valley Schools

Clinton Community Schools

Dowagiac Union Schools

Gladstone Area Public Schools

Grass Lake Community Schools

Hartford Public Schools

North Huron School District

JW Sexton High School, Lansing School District

Marquette Area Public Schools

Morley Stanwood Community Schools

Huron School District

Tahquamenon Area Schools

Paw Paw Public School District

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools

Port Huron Area School District

Chippewa Hills School District

Sandusky Community Schools

Saranac Community Schools

Saugatuck Public Schools

Tawas Area Schools

Tecumseh Public Schools

Tekonsha Community Schools

Utica Community Schools

Walled Lake Consolidated School District

White Cloud School District

White Pigeon Community Schools

Sarah Hulett is Michigan Public's Director of Amplify & Longform, helping reporters to do their best work.
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting.
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