Kayleigh McEnany heckles the press. BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts’ Senate unanimously approved legislation Tuesday creating a special commission to review the state seal and motto, which includes a controversial depiction of a Native American man.The bill still needs House approval, but Native American groups praised the vote.“A white hand holding a colonial sword over the head of a Native person is a terrible and racist symbol that has no place representing our state,” North American Indian Center of Boston, the United American Indians of New England, and other groups said in a joint statement.They also called on lawmakers to take action on two other proposals ahead of their summer recess: a bill banning public schools from using Indian mascots and another strengthening protections for Indian burial sites and sacred objects.The Senate’s state seal bill creates a commission to investigate features of the official seal and motto that “may be unwittingly harmful” or misunderstood. Legislators set a flag election in 2001, and voters kept the rebel-themed design. The Massachusetts flag features a colonial broadsword held over the head of a Native American.Advocates for changing the flag held a news conference during the protest arguing that the "What COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter demonstrate in plain terms is that our current social systems need structural and foundational change," said Jean-Luc Pierite, president of the Board of the North American Indian Center of Boston.State Sen. Jason Lewis added "it's our responsibility to tell our history truthfully" and replace images and symbols that Another group flocked to the State House to protest a The Senate bill, which was developed after weeks of public protest around the country in response to the death George Floyd in Minnesota, would impose a new level of oversight on police that has been proposed for years on Beacon Hill but has failed to gain traction until now.The bill would also scale back legal protection for police and other public employees that currently shields them from civil lawsuits unless there was a clearly established violation of law. Retired Rhode Island pastor charged with molesting girl State laws were updated in 1906, and portions dealing with the flag were not carried forward. Democratic leaders, including U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, weighed in to support the effort of Senate leaders to limit qualified immunity, while the state's largest police union singled out that provision as one that would leave police officers second-guessing themselves on the job.The thrust of the bill is to create a new independent commission — the Police Officer Standards and Accreditation Committee — that would certify all law enforcement officers and give the independent agency the power to renew, revoke or otherwise modify their licenses.The new committee could also conduct investigations into allegations of misconduct, including excessive use of force. 'Not handling the pandemic well': Man fires at cops with AK-47 after refusing to wear a mask, police say Black staffers flag hostility, inequity at State House.
It would also make recommendations for a new seal design or motto.Members of the commission would include Massachusetts tribe members as well as representatives for the state commission on Indian affairs, the state historical commission and the state cultural council, among other agencies.The commission would be charged with submitting its report to lawmakers by October 2021.Enable breaking news notifications straight to your internet browser. Teachers union calls for continued remote learning in fall Native American groups called for Massachusetts to change the state flag and seal, "Back the Blue" protesters opposed a police reform bill, and a group of landlords spoke out against two bills that would enact rent control for the first time since 1994.Calls to change the state flag were renewed by Native American advocates, legislators and supporters. Baker has instead proposed lower voting thresholds for local zoning changes to increase new housing construction.Patch is a space for neighborhood news. Here's why. Elizabeth Warren’s journey on race is a preview of her party's Map: Here’s where you can get tested for COVID-19 in Boston
Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally expecting 250,000, stirring virus concerns Filed Under: Anna Meiler, Boston News, Massachusetts Flag, State Flag BOSTON (CBS) — The Massachusetts’ Senate has unanimously passed a bill to create a committee to study and redesign the state seal. Somerville indefinitely delays Phase 3 of reopening plan due to rising coronavirus cases across Mass. reports 10 new COVID-19 deaths, 165 new cases A Northeastern professor wasn't surprised by the recent Tsarnaev ruling. (Bob Dumas/Boston 25 News) Share ; Share ; Share ; By: Chris Lisinski, State House News Service Updated: July 29, 2020 - 10:23 PM . Calls to change the state flag were renewed by Native American advocates, legislators and supporters. Danvers 4-year-old dies in apparent drowning after wandering away from home Mass. A Plymouth County boy is the first human case of EEE recorded in Mass. Judge whose son was killed by misogynistic lawyer speaks out towns reportedly see tornado touch down Here are the Mass. 3 Wyoming sightseeing balloons crash, as many as 20 injured
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