Indians as Mascot Bill Proposed Again in California

She's failed twice, but Assembly Member Jackie Goldberg isn't giving up on her quest to ban the use of "Redskins" as a public school mascot. Goldberg, D-Los Angeles, has introduced for a third time legislation that would outlaw what she calls an offensive mascot used by at least four schools in California, including Tulare Union High School and Chowchilla Union High School. Her bill is nearly identical to her legislation last year, except that it would give schools one more year -- until 2007 -- to change their mascots. The Assembly Education Committee, which Goldberg chairs, approved AB 13 on Wednesday. Assembly Member Juan Arambula, D-Fresno, voted against it, believing the decision should be made locally. Goldberg and civil liberties groups say Redskins is a racist term. Others, including officials at Tulare Union, say it is a source of pride and symbolizes strong tradition. The Democrat-controlled Legislature approved her bill last year, but it was vetoed by Republican Gov. Schwarzenegger, who said the issue should be decided locally. [more]

• Governor fails people of color on fairness level - Vetoes undermined 7 bills, but second chance is coming [more]