Two Douglas County high schools may soon be required to change their mascots.

Earlier this month, the Oregon State Board of Education directed its staff to draft a proposed administrative rule and a resolution that would prohibit publicly funded state schools from using Native American mascots, imagery or team names. The two local schools at issue are Roseburg (Indians) and Reedsport (Braves).

If the rule becomes law, it would directly affect at least 15 high schools with team names such as Indians, Chieftains and Braves. Schools, including North Douglas, would continue to be able to use the team name Warriors as long as “it is not combined with a symbol or image that depicts or refers to an American Indian Tribe, individual, custom or tradition.”

The drafted administrative rule states the use of Native American mascots and team names violates state non-discrimination laws. If school districts do not comply by July 1, 2017 their state funding would likely be withheld.

The education board plans to hold a public hearing on Friday, April 27 at 9:00AM at the State Capitol in Salem.