The bill to ban the use of Indian mascots in Colorado public schools and public colleges and universities took a major step forward on May 20. That’s when the House Education Committee approved Senate Bill 116 and sent it to the full House for debate.

Senate Bill 116 requires any public school with an Indian mascot to end its use by June 1, 2022 or face a $25,000 per month fine.

The bill grants exceptions to schools that have agreements with Native American tribes that existed prior to June 30, 2021.

Representative Adrienne Benavidez, D-Adams County, the bill sponsor, said the bill i...