The U.S. Department of Education has dismissed a complaint from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights over schools’ use of American Indian mascots.
The civil rights department had argued that the images hurt Native American students’ academic performance, and create an unequal learning environment.
But federal education officials say opponents of Indian mascots and logos need to prove that they create a hostile environment for Native American students.
The Department of Civil Rights says it’s disappointed with the decision – and that it’s considering its next steps.
Here's a list of the public school districts the Michigan Department of Civil Rights has cited for their use American Indian mascots or imagery:
Athens Area Schools
Bay City Public Schools
Belding Area Schools
Birmingham Brother Rice
Woodhaven Brownstown School District
Camden-Frontier School District
Capac Community Schools
Cheboygan Area School District
Chesaning Union Schools
Chippewa Valley Schools
Clinton Community Schools
Dowagiac Union Schools
Gladstone Area Public Schools
Grass Lake Community Schools
Hartford Public Schools
North Huron School District
JW Sexton High School, Lansing School District
Marquette Area Public Schools
Morley Stanwood Community Schools
Huron School District
Tahquamenon Area Schools
Paw Paw Public School District
Plymouth-Canton Community Schools
Port Huron Area School District
Chippewa Hills School District
Sandusky Community Schools
Saranac Community Schools
Saugatuck Public Schools
Tawas Area Schools
Tecumseh Public Schools
Tekonsha Community Schools
Utica Community Schools
Walled Lake Consolidated School District
White Cloud School District
White Pigeon Community Schools
