Two Hadley residents have put out a petition that recommends Massachusetts change its state seal and motto.
Michele and Andy-Morris Friedman want the town of Hadley to show its support for legislation to change the seal and motto of Massachusetts.
Legislation has already been introduced in the House of Representatives by State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa and State Senator Jo Comerford, both representing Northampton.
The current seal shows a Native American with a sword over his head.
The petition says the seal and motto are historically inaccurate and are harmful stereotypes of Native Americans.
“It’s insensitive because it doesn’t represent the current state of Massachusetts,” Andy-Morris told 22News. “It celebrates the subjugation of native populations and the triumph of colonialism and it doesn’t represent us or our historical values.”
The Friedman’s hope voters at the Hadley town meeting this spring will vote to support a resolution in the state legislature to reevaluate the state seal.
The seal and motto were first adopted in 1898.
