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Residents urge district to plan for federal funding cuts and cite harm from mascot use
Summary
Public commenters asked the Dowagiac Union School District to prepare for likely federal K–12 funding cuts and urged the board to reconsider mascot language that community members said harms Native children.
During the public‑comment portion of the Dowagiac Union School District board meeting, residents urged the board to prepare for potential federal funding cuts and raised concerns about the district mascot’s effect on Native children.
Naomi lman told the board she was worried the current federal administration’s moves could shrink the U.S. Department of Education and reduce K–12 funding streams, naming programs such as Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), free and reduced‑price meals and 21st Century Community Learning Centers. "I would like to know what plans the school has…to support our students and teachers when these funding cuts occur," she said, urging the district to be proactive and to share plans publicly. The board said it would research the matter and noted that federal funds are routed through states.
A second speaker identified as Colin recounted personal and family experiences with mascot‑related slurs and urged the board to consider the emotional harm to Native children. He said he had given up an outfit he once wore because of derogatory language and that hearing mascot references can be "very disheartening" for children. His remarks emphasized the lasting impact of derogatory names on students.
A third commenter, Elmer natay, spoke briefly but did not advance a specific request in the transcript. The board did not take immediate action on the mascot issue during the meeting; public comments concluded and the board moved on to information items.
