OCPJohio.org

News:

We hope you like the new web site design-- Thanks Zack Sheppard for helping us out!!

We just uploaded (May 2010) new guidelines and a new application form for the Bloom Peace Education Fund.

Landmark education and civil rights legislation on race-based school nicknames, logos, mascots, and team names was signed into law on May 5, 2010, by Wisconsin Governor James Doyle. The bill, passed by both houses of the Wisconsin state legislature, marks the first law in the nation to effectively address this matter. The measure allows the state superintendent of education, acting on a complaint filed by a district resident, to ban school symbols and names deemed harmful stereotypes. Although not an ideal solution, it is our hope that other states will follow with similar action. Click here to see key components of the statute.

Akron superintendent to drop 'Orientals' nickname
By Associated Press
April 27, 2010, 8:17AM
AKRON, Ohio -- An Ohio school superintendent says he is updating the district's anti-discrimination policy to drop the "Orientals" nickname for sports teams. Akron Superintendent David James said East High School will have a new name for its teams when a newly renovated building opens next fall. James is changing the district's anti-discrimination policy to prohibit the use of any name or symbol that stereotypes groups based on sex, race, ancestry or national origin or that could create a racially hostile or discriminatory environment. The school has used a dragon mascot on football helmets. James told the school board Monday that he'll create a process for coming up with a new nickname.

Events:

The OCPJ Yard Sale is now on the schedule for Saturday, August 21-- start saving your sale items today to support this fundraising event.

Take Action:

The Coalition for a New Talawanda Mascot invites your support in our campaign for a new mascot for the school district--one without reference to the ethnicity or gender of persons--to be determined (by current Talawanda students) before the new high school is built and dedicated.

To sign-on in support, contact the Peace Center at 523-6555 or e-mail Linda Musmeci Kimball at lmkocpj@yahoo.com. "Signatures" are being collected by e-mail and by phone confirmation.The growing collection of signature-supporters of the resolution are being turned in to the Talawanda School Board and school administration.-- Update- The Talawanda School Board declined consideration (May 2010) of a new mascot-- now is the time to write your letters questioning this decision and watching for legislation at the state level.