ESKO, Minn. (KFGO/WCCO) – A northeastern Minnesota school is already complying with a new state law that bans the use of American Indian mascots.
Esko’s school board members voted to discontinue the team name “Eskomos,” a version of a name Alaska natives generally find offensive.
The board’s chair said they want to set an example for their students.
The Esmokos name will no longer be used by Esko teams after its baseball team finishes this week’s state tournament, and it’s not known if a new name will be in place by the fall.
The Indian mascot law was passed by the state legislature in May and takes effect in 2025.
The ban does not affect Minnesota school districts where 95 percent of the student body is Native American.
Less than 12 schools in Minnesota have a Native nickname.
