Maine Bans All Native American Mascots because of ‘Pain and Anguish’

Maine Governor Janet Mills signed a bill into law, which officially banned the use of Native American mascots at all state public schools, colleges, and universities. The state has also changed the federally-recognized holiday, Columbus Day, to “Indigenous Peoples Day.” Mills, at a press conference, said, “While Indian mascots were often originally chosen to recognize and honor a school’s unique connection to Native American communities in Maine, we have heard clearly and unequivocally from Maine tribes that they are a source of pain and anguish.”