9-27-13 school mascots

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Republican-backed bill in the state Legislature would make it more difficult to force Wisconsin's public schools to remove race-based nicknames.  The proposal released Thursday by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and three others changes current law to place the burden of proof on the person complaining about the nickname, rather the district being challenged.  It also gives the Department of Administration, rather than the Department of Public Instruction, the authority to order removal of the nickname.  Current law passed in 2010 gives DPI the authority to force schools to drop race-based nicknames, logos and mascots if a single complaint is filed.  The proposal would require submission of a petition challenging the nickname signed by residents of the district totaling at least 10 percent of the student body.