By CHRISTINE HOMAN
Capital News Service

The Civil Rights Commission will soon be examining its stance on Native American mascots.

At its May 24 meeting, the commission is scheduled to discuss the issue and decide whether to take action.

In 2002, it passed a resolution condemning the use of Native American mascots, but at the upcoming meeting, the commission will consider whether to issue a declaratory ruling that indicates how it would deal with the question in the future.

“As we grow more sensitive and understanding, there are certain practices we’ll have to examine,” said Harold Core, director of public relations for the Department of Civil Rights.

Opponents of using Native American mascots and nicknames for schools and colleges say they’re offensive and in some cases racist.

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