Signed by Governor Scott Walker

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends laws concerning the use of certain race-based nicknames, logos, mascots, and team names by school boards.

Highlights:

• Authorizes a school district resident to object to the use of a race-based nickname, logo, mascot, or team name by the school board by filing a complaint containing a number of signatures of school district residents equal to at least 10 percent of the student population in the school district (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that a signature on the complaint is valid only if the signature is obtained within the 120 day period before the complaint is filed with the state superintendent (Sec. 2). 

• Requires the school district resident who filed the complaint to prove that the use of the race-based nickname, logo, mascot, or team name promotes discrimination, pupil harassment, or stereotyping, as defined by the state superintendent (Sec. 11). 

• Authorizes noncompliance for school districts ordered to terminate the use of a race-based nickname, logo, mascot, or team name before the effective date of this bill (Sec. 16). 

• Specifies that a complaint filed with the state superintendent of public instruction before the effective date of this bill for which a decision and order has not been issued is void (Sec. 24). 

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends laws concerning the use of certain race-based nicknames, logos, mascots, and team names by school boards.

Highlights:

• Authorizes a school district resident to object to the use of a race-based nickname, logo, mascot, or team name by the school board by filing a complaint containing a number of signatures of school district residents equal to at least 10 percent of the student population in the school district (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that a signature on the complaint is valid only if the signature is obtained within the 120 day period before the complaint is filed with the state superintendent (Sec. 2). 

• Requires the school district resident who filed the complaint to prove that the use of the race-based nickname, logo, mascot, or team name promotes discrimination, pupil harassment, or stereotyping, as defined by the state superintendent (Sec. 11). 

• Authorizes noncompliance for school districts ordered to terminate the use of a race-based nickname, logo, mascot, or team name before the effective date of this bill (Sec. 16). 

• Specifies that a complaint filed with the state superintendent of public instruction before the effective date of this bill for which a decision and order has not been issued is void (Sec. 24). 

Full Bill Text