CONSEJO INTERNACIONAL DE TRATADOS INDIOS

Honorable Jackie Goldberg

Assemblymember, Forty-Fifth District

State Capitol

Room 2003

Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Support AB 858 (Goldberg) – The Jerry Ballesteros Act

Dear Assemblymember Goldberg:

I write to express support for the Jerry Ballesteros Act, which will eliminate racially offensive “Indian” mascots or nicknames in California public schools.

We believe that the use of such images on public school campuses creates unhealthy learning environments, perpetuates racial stereotypes and subjects Native American students to derision and discrimination.  We further believe that the elimination of these images can help create school communities in which the traditions and identities of all cultures are valued equally.

We do recognize California’s budget constraints and support your decision to author a bill that will not cost additional funds.

By authoring AB 858 (Goldberg), you are offering our State Legislature an opportunity to promote positive intercultural relationships in publicly funded schools.  We believe that all citizens--Native American and non-Native, in California and across the country--stand to benefit from its passage.

Sincerely,