Senate Bill 21-116: Prohibition of American Indian Mascots in Colorado

• Prohibits all public schools and public institutions of higher education in Colorado from using American Indian mascots, names, symbols, or images effective June 1, 2022.

• Schools may use the name of an American Indian tribe on letterhead only, without images or symbols, unless they have a pre-existing agreement with a federally recognized tribe.

• Allows exemptions for schools with agreements made before June 30, 2021 with federally recognized tribes, with one-year transition period if agreements are terminated.

• Imposes monthly fines of $25,000 to the State Education Fund for each month a school continues using prohibited mascots after the June 1, 2022 deadline.

• Authorizes schools in violation to apply for grants through the Building Excellent Schools Today Act to fund structural changes needed to comply with the mascot ban.