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Utah House rejects resolution urging K–12 schools to consider retiring Native American mascots
Summary
The House debated HCR 3, a sponsor‑backed resolution encouraging K–12 schools to consider retiring Native American mascots and expand education about Native cultures; the measure failed 27–45 after extended floor debate about tribal views, local processes and university contracts.
Representative Waite brought a second substitute of HCR 3, a concurrent resolution encouraging K–12 public schools to consider retiring Native American mascots and to expand education about Native American history and culture. "It is time for people to consider retiring those mascots," Waite said, describing a year‑long local process and consultations she said included tribal leaders.
The measure’s sponsor framed the resolution as nonbinding and pedagogical, aimed at encouraging local review and more curriculum on Native history. Waite told colleagues the draft was shaped with input from Native stakeholders and counsel and said several tribal leaders had expressed support for reconsideration of mascots.
Opposition speakers urged caution and emphasized there is no single Native perspective. Representative Lyman said he had heard examples of Native residents who felt pride in mascots and warned that the Native community does not speak with one voice. Representative Shipp and others stressed local control and noted distinct arrangements at universities. Representative Winder asked whether the resolution contemplated ethnic or cultural mascots beyond Native American examples; the sponsor replied the current text was focused on K–12 Native mascots but that schools may choose their own processes.
Representative Waite defended the polls and cited concerns about the representativeness of some surveys; she also pointed colleagues to educational resources such as the public television documentary We Shall Remain. Supporters, including Representative Wheatley, pointed to a letter from Navajo Nation President Nez backing the resolution and urged the House to adopt it as a means to improve school climate and instruction.
After Democrats and Republicans debated whether the resolution should be broader, nonbinding or respectful of locally made decisions, the House voted. Second substitute HCR 3 failed, 27 yes to 45 no. The motion was referred to staff for filing.
