Board discusses state'level mascot law, exemption denials and possible pushback over Thunderhawk identity

District leaders updated the board on a 2023 state law that restricts school names or images that depict or refer to American Indian tribes, individuals or traditions. The superintendent reported the district submitted an exemption request with support from the Indian Education Parent Advisory Committee and related tribal contacts. The district received mixed responses from tribal nations; several tribes responded with denials while the deadline and process have been inconsistent across districts.