Jan 12, 2019 - Little League to Ban “racially insensitive, derogatory or discriminatory” Mascots

January 11, 2019 – Little League International, the governing body of all global Little League-affiliated leagues and teams, has instituted a new policy that prohibits teams from using “racially insensitive, derogatory or discriminatory” team names and mascots.

The policy change was included in its 2019 Rule-book. The National Congress of American Indians [NCAI] has confirmed with Little League International that this change includes offensive Native “themed” names and mascots.

The new rule states that, “Little League prohibits the use of team names, mascots, nicknames or logos that are racially insensitive, derogatory or discriminatory in nature. Little League requires all chartered local league programs, volunteers as well as regular employees to comply with the policies outlined above. Disciplinary action to address violations of the policies outlined above will be determined in the sole discretion of either the Charter Committee or Little League management, as applicable.”

NCAI President Jefferson Keel released the following statement in response,“We commend Little League International for taking this important step to stand on the right side of history, and we welcome the news that it is already hard at work ensuring that all of its affiliated leagues and teams promptly comply with this new edict of respect for Native people and other communities of color. Little League International molds not just the athletic talents but also the minds of so many young people across America, so its new rule will go a long way towards fostering greater understanding of our common humanity and the diversity that makes this country great.”