Reardan superintendent wants mascot-related bill amended

REARDAN – House Bill 1356, first read Jan. 25 and moved to a public hearing Feb. 5, would ban Washington public schools from using any Native American names, symbols or images as mascots, logos or team names.

If passed, the Reardan Indians moniker would have to change by the end of this year. Reardan is one of seven high schools in the state with the “Indians” nickname. Nearby Colville and North Central high schools are also nicknamed the “Indians.”

Superintendent Eric Sobotta testified against the bill at the public hearing Feb. 5, but made it clear during his testimony that his “con” positio...