California bill seeks to ban 'Redskins' mascots at all schools

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KGO) -- California may soon ban "Redskins" mascots at all schools across the state.

The California Racial Mascots Act would make the state the first in the country to restrict the use of the word, a recognized slur against Native Americans.

Supporters of the bill say the change is long overdue.

"Certain things the state prescribes that schools can't do because they are obviously wrong for the state of California and obviously wrong for the children of California. And the use of this term is just wrong," said Ray Halbritter, a Native American activist.

Opponents of the bill say the state government shouldn't get involved in a local issue.

It now moves to the Appropriations Committee.

For years, Native Americans have called for the NFL's Washington Redskins to change their team name.