DENVER -- A state lawmaker who ignited a firestorm of controversy by introducing a bill that would require public high schools to get permission to use American Indian mascots said she will withdraw the legislation.

Sen. Suzanne Williams, D-Aurora, told the Denver Post she has achieved her goal of starting a community discussion over whether the mascots are appropriate.

Williams, who is one-quarter Comanche, told the Post, "I introduced this bill because I feel very strongly that we need a conversation about the subtle discrimination between races and cultures."

The bill would have required all public and charter high schools with Indian mascots to get approval from the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs. Schools that did not get approval would be fined $1,000 a month.

Williams said there are about a dozen schools with Indian mascots including Lamar High School, home of the Savages, and Montbello High School, home of the Warriors.

Sunday the Greeley Tribune editorialized the mascot at Eaton High School which features a large-nosed, scowling Indian in a loincloth and leather pants.

The newspaper said "It's time for the Reds to go," adding "It's unfortunate Williams even had to introduce the legislation."

Opponents of the bill pointed out that some schools, like Yuma High School, have mascots meant to honor American Indians. Yuma High changed its mascot in the 1920s from the Cornhuskers to the Indians.

Republican Sen. Scott Renfroe said mascots are an issue for local school boards.

Williams still has to formally withdraw the bill during a committee hearing.