MT. PLEASANT -- The state of Michigan wants the federal government to step in and end the use of most American Indian mascots and images by the state's schools.
In a case that could have national implications, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights named 35 Michigan school districts as being responsible for "alleged discrimination" by using the mascots, and asked the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights to ban their use.
Among the 35 schools is Chippewa Hills Schools in Isabella, Mecosta and Osceola counties, which has used the nickname "Warriors" since the district was consolidated in the 1960s. Superintendent Shirley Howard said she learned of the complaint Friday morning, shortly before it was filed.
"They're not saying we've done anything wrong," Howard said. "Yet."
The state is asking the federal agency to order an end to the use of American Indian mascots, names, nicknames, slogans, chants or imagery. The Michigan complaint asserts that new research clearly establishes that use of American Indian imagery hurts student learning and creates an "unequal learning environment" that violates federal civil rights law.
The Chippewa Hills district includes a portion of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe's Isabella Reservation, and one of its schools, Weidman Elementary School, is located within the reservation's boundaries. That school serves many Tribal members and descendants.
The Michigan government's complaint does not affect colleges and universities, and said that "limited use of images" of "locally significant Tribes" could continue if it's done in a way that is respectful and does not stereotype Native Americans - and has Tribal support. Howard said she believes Chippewa Hills does have support of Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council.
"We have always worked closely with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe," she said. "We have one particular Indian head that we use, and our Indian head was approved by the Tribe."
She said when a slightly different design was proposed for a yearbook cover, school officials showed that to the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council and got their approval for that image, as well.
Tribal spokesman Frank Cloutier said the working relationship that the Tribe has with Chippewa Hills is similar to the one that the Saginaw Chippewas have with Central Michigan University.
Support of the Saginaw Tribal Council was instrumental in allowing Central Michigan University to continue to use the nickname "Chippewas" for its sports teams, despite pressure from the NCAA. The Central Michigan campus is located less than a half-mile from the reservation boundary, and the Tribe advertises on the Kelly/Shorts Stadium scoreboard.
"The Anishinabe culture is very competitive," Cloutier said. He said the association with sports teams is a positive one - as long as it's handled with respect, dignity, and celebrates Native culture.
The complaint lists six other Michigan schools that use the nickname Warriors, along with eight called the Indians, five named the Chiefs, three Big Reds, two Chieftains, two Braves, one Redmen, one Mohawks, and six called the Redskins.
"The term 'Redskins' has historically been used as a racial slur, and for this reason carries particularly negative connotations that accentuate the negative impact of associated stereotypes," the Civil Rights Department said in a prepared statement. "Use of the term as a team name by primary or secondary educational institutions that receive federal funds is always impermissible."
Cloutier said he agreed.
"Things like Braves and Redskins are just wrong," Cloutier said. "Fake feathers and war paint are not permissible."
Howard said Chippewa Hills would not use the nickname or imagery without the support of the Tribe.
"We feel we have a good rapport with the Tribal Council, and we will ask them," Howard said. "If the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe asks us to change, we will change."