Governor Weighs In On Banning Native American Mascots. Or Does She?

I don't have time to do a proper blog post about last night's board meeting in Skowhegan. So I'm going to paste in my live comments from last night, plus a few from others who attended. I'll finish with an email I received from Governor Janet Mills expressing support for banning Native mascots in school sport, but falling far short of saying she intends to sign LD 944 if it makes it to her desk.


(My posts to Skowhegan Indigenous Peoples Day group on Facebook in real time 4/4/19)

We are here at the Skowhegan school board meeting. They have gone into executive session to consult their lawyers (again, we're guessing this time about the request to hold a referendum to overturn the March 7 mascot retirement). Chair Dixie Ring read us the riot act first thing, stressing decorum. Lots of SIP here in their Outlaw gear. One tepid performance of the Skowhegan fight song thus far. Local press is here plus three uniformed police officers.

Oops make that 4 officers, one in each corner.

100 people we estimate.

Dixie allowing 6-7 speakers. First one claiming her 6 year old said mascot was retired by people "who don't like Indians."

Next speaker talking about "we get our rights from our Creator" and then immediately cites 1st amendment. I could be wrong but I think he's wearing a Dale Earnhardt hat.

Now a young woman is making an inclusion argument to say if someone is offended that is their personal problem "and they should work on that." She is confused and confusing. Now she says "we are hurt and disappointed."

Girl in full cheerleader regalia Liz Turner middle school student speaking now. She starts by sharing that she is from away. Also very confusing. She has on quite an outfit and people near us are hissing angrily at Mark taking her photo as she addresses the board. "She's a child, you need her parents' permission to take her picture." Hmmm wonder if the journalists got that?

Now another student pointing out "if you notice a lot of people here are wearing Indians."

SIP is done. Board has not yet taken up referendum nor did any speaker mention it.

Lynda Quinn just said referendum would be futile and a big waste of $ because non-binding and LD944.

Now lawyer is talking. Legislature gives school boards right and duty to make all decisions regarding schools. Public speaks via elections.

Jenn Poirier wants the non-binding vote. So she and Lynda Quinn, who both voted to keep the mascot, have split on this issue.

Todd Smith wants to know what the cost will be. Notes "the state issue could go one way or another and no doubt it will."

Harold Bigelow says vote to retire was influenced by outside elements. Gets applause from crowd, admonished by chair.

Both Bigelow and Jean Franklin have alluded to budget not being approved by voters.

Dixie: has to be a 2/3 vote to add an agenda item. (Later note: This was in reference to Bigelow and Todd Smith wanting to hold a vote on whether to hold a referendum, without prior notice to board members who were absent last night.)

Amy Rouse asking where were the people in the audience tonight when we had the public forum in January?

Poirier says her constituents just expect her to know what they're thinking without sitting through a 3 hour meeting.

Peggy Lovejoy: most of the calls I got before the vote were in favor of change. Since the vote most have been against the change.

Nancy Blaisdell Baxter Board caved and agreed to put the Referendum question on the April 25th agenda. Colbry said at end of session to friends in audience that "this was a $3000. meeting".

To: Lisa Savage

April 4, 2019

Subject: Message from Governor Mills

Thank you for contacting me about legislation to ban Native American mascots in public schools. I appreciate your views on this issue.

Maine has a long history of strained tribal relations. I am committed to improving communication and trust between the four Tribes, the state, and local governments so that together, we can improve the lives, opportunities, and wellbeing of all our people. As Governor-elect, I sent a letter to the Skowhegan School Board urging them to end the use of “Indians” as their mascot, and was pleased by the March 7th vote to do so.

I believe that offensive names for teams, schools, and mascots have no place in our society. According to the American Psychological Association, the use of Native American mascots has harmful effects on Native American youth and perpetuates the marginalization of Native people. That is why the Maine Department of Education asked schools statewide to avoid the use of hurtful mascots and to develop policies and procedures in that vein. As Governor, I will work with everyone to respect and maintain the cultural identity and the right of self-governance of Native Americans in this state.

It is time to heal the divisions of our past and bring the State and Maine’s tribal communities together to build a future shaped by mutual trust and respect. Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your concerns.

Janet T. Mills
Governor