ROCHESTER, Minn. — Dakota Middle School will keep its bison mascot following approval from the Prairie Island Indian Community.

Rochester Public Schools (RPS) sought an exemption from a state law banning Native American mascots and logos. In 2023, Minnesota passed a law to eliminate these mascots but later allowed schools to seek tribal consent for exemptions.

RPS submitted their request on August 8 to the Prairie Island Indian Community and received consent on November 12. The bison mascot, chosen in 2022 with input from Native students and families, complements the school's name, "Dakota," which honors the Dakota people.

“We are profoundly grateful to the Prairie Island Indian Community for their thoughtful consideration and consent to our exemption request," said Rochester Public Sch

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