Of naming and shaming

The name of the Tewksbury Memorial High School mascot — the “Redmen” — is racist and really ought to be changed. But that decision should lie with the people of Tewksbury, not with the 200 members of the state Legislature.

Lawmakers are considering a bill filed by two Tewksbury residents that would forbid any Massachusetts public school from using Native American names, symbols or images, in any forum.

The bill represents serious overreach. In addition to a specific ban on the use of “Redmen,” “Savages” (is there such a school out there?) and “Indians” there is a blanket ban on any name, symbol or image that “depicts or refers to an American Indian tribe, individual, custom, or tradition.” It applies to school mascots, nicknames, logos, letterhead or team names.

The Masconomet Chieftains, among others, would have to change their team names. But wouldn’t the regional school district, whose name honors a Colonial-era chief, have to change its name altogether?

Supporters of the legislation point out that these terms have been appropriated without permission from tribes. It’s a compelling argument, but one that ought to be presented to the relevant school committee, board of selectmen, town meeting or city council. In fact, some communities have already worked through these concerns with local tribes, but those agreements would be tossed aside if this bill were to pass.

Senate President Stan Rosenberg seems to respect that this is the very definition of a local matter, suggesting last week it’s about “local standards.” The Tewksbury petitioners ought to launch another local campaign for a name change, and leave the rest of the state out of it.