A number of lawmakers and Massachusetts residents, including some Native Americans, have called for the imagery on the state seal to be changed. Specifically, advocates note that the seal depicts a colonist's broadsword directly above a depiction of a Native American's head, with some calling the depiction a "form of white supremacist imagery". American vexillologist Ted Kaye noted that the sword symbolizes liberty from the British and was "not meant to be oppressing the Indian," though "certainly that's how people perceive it." On January 11, 2021, Governor Charlie Baker signed a bill establishing a commission to change the state flag and seal. On May 17, 2022, the commission voted unanimously to recommend changing the state symbols. Government Seals of Massachusetts Historical seals See also Flag of Massachusetts References External links The History of the Arms and Great Seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Arms of Massachusetts, American Heraldry Society Massachusetts Symbols of Massachusetts Massachusetts Massachusetts Massachusetts Political controversies in the United States Native American-related controversies