SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The Education Committee today sent a bill to the full House that prohibits school districts from using racially derogatory nicknames or mascots.
Representative Shawn Bordeaux of Mission says the issue is much deeper than just name calling.
Bordeaux says a lot of studies have been done to find out how this issue impacts kids and "they" found that it's having a negative impact on their self-esteem. He adds that on his community, the Rosebud Reservation, there's a high number of teen suicides.
Opponents to the measure felt that the South Dakota High School Activities Association should not be the agency handling complaints.
One opponent said that the school district's local board should handle all complaints. He says concerns over mascots or racial issues should be left to the local community and the people who govern them.
The committee advanced the measure with a do pass recommendation.