The national debate on whether Indigenous symbols used for sports is offensive or honorable continues. The discussion is reaching Nebraska schools.
 
On Thursday, The Nebraska Civil Rights Commission wrapped up its final panel in a series regarding Native American symbols for school mascots. Chairman Larry Wright of the Ponca tribe noted that indigenous characters paints Native Americans in a narrow-minded stereotype.
 
"It dismisses the reality of Native Americans both historically and today ... we are so much more than these mascots," he said. 
 
Following this movement and recent expression from Nebraska tribes that they are not okay with caricature imagery, the Nebraska School Activities Association stepped up to the plate.
 
NSAA Executive Director Jay Bellar said that while the organization cannnot limit mascots, they usually step in when activities are offensive.
 
Years ago, Bellar said, Nebraska's schools were under the understanding that Native symbols were honorable to their history. This opinion has largely changed following more studies and in depth look at its impacts on youth. For example, the panel shared an American Psychological Association study which showed even positive stereotypes negatively affect Natives. To amend this, Bellar has already began to reach out to schools. He notes it's not an easy process, though.
 
"It's history," he said. Plus, "You have to remember there's a financial burden too."
 
Ultimately, the decisions will be in schools' hands. And there's a lot to decide: Twenty-two schools in Nebraska have Indigenous mascots according to the NSAA.
 
None of those NCN reached out to agreed to comment on the topic.