North Dakota lawmaker calls for an end to racist taunts in high school sports

North Dakota High Schools Address Racist Taunts Towards Native American Players

As North Dakota high schools gear up for spring sports, there is still tension lingering from winter sporting events where Native American players faced racist taunts from non-Native fans. Several incidents of discriminatory behavior from the stands have prompted apologies from opposing school districts, with the state High School Activities Association implementing a zero-tolerance policy in response.

However, Rep. Lisa Finley-DeVille, D-Mandaree, representing the Fort Berthold Reservation, believes that the rules are not being widely enforced. She emphasized the importance of enforcing the existing laws to create a better environment for all players.

In an effort to address these issues, the Association has created a special committee to handle such matters. Finley-DeVille plans to engage with the panel over the summer to provide input for a more inclusive environment during games next year. Additionally, she has appealed to the Department of Education Civil Rights Division with her own complaint and encouraged the inclusion of Tribal Flag Songs before sporting events to raise awareness among non-Native fans.

While the federal government has launched a civil rights investigation stemming from an incident last year, Finley-DeVille is pushing for more proactive measures to combat racism in high school sports. The Association did not respond to requests for comment on the matter.