executive order to study the effects of Native American mascots in public education intuitions on Tuesday.
The order comes after two state bills on the subject failed to law become within the past five years.
The new 15-member commission will provide recommendations to the governor and state Legislature after facilitating discussion on the subject and reaching out to communities with Native American mascots.
"One of the goals of this Commission is to host public discussion among constituents who feel strongly connected with these names and images without the threat of revoking state funding or issuing penalties," the order reads.
State representatives Joe Salazar, D-Thornton, and Jovan Melton, D-Aurora, praised the governor's order as a step forward. The two sponsored a bill in the most recent legislative session that would have directed schools to get permission from a panel of tribes to use Native American mascots or face penalties.
