American Indian Mascots In Michigan Schools To Stay Says Federal Agency

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A federal agency has dismissed a complaint seeking to ban the use of American Indian mascots in Michigan's schools.

In February, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights cited 35 Michigan school districts for discrimination, saying their mascots reinforce stereotypes and hurt American Indian students' self-esteem and learning.

But the U.S. Education Department's Office of Civil Rights denied the state's complaint last week.

The state civil rights department says it's disappointed by the ruling and is considering its options.
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