“No one believes the Redskins name and symbol are intentionally hurtful or disrespectful toward Native Americans,” School Board member Ann Burkhart said, via the Peninsula Daily News. “But I fail to see how a symbol, even a revered symbol, that is generally acknowledged to be divisive can be helpful in preparing students for success in the increasingly connected and collaborative 21st Century.”

 

It was a controversial decision, obviously. Per the report, 275 people attended the meeting, cheering those who spoke in favor of keeping the name and booing those who argued for change.

 

The effort began in June 2012, when Port Townsend resident Andrew Sheldon wrote a letter to the School Board explaining that he is “offended, embarrassed and ashamed by our school mascot.”

 

Opponents of the change included John Stroeder, a graduate who later played for the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.

 

“If you change the name, I’m done here,” Stroeder said. “I will take my jersey out of the [trophy] cabinet. I’m very passionate about this, and I’m not passionate about a lot of things.”

 

Said Sheldon of Stoeder: “He was a professional athlete and should be setting a better example for the kids. This is all about the kids and their education, which can’t happen while there is a racist symbol representing the team.”

 

Another high school ditches the Redskins name | ProFootballTalk

I know there are people on both sides of this issue but Andrew Sheldon knows everything about everything...

It is his money and support for the school, why doesn't he have the right not to support them if he makes a decision he disagrees with?

Stroeder is setting an example, one that says political correctness is ridiculous.

Said Sheldon of Stoeder: “He was a professional athlete and should be setting a better example for the kids. This is all about the kids and their education, which can’t happen while there is a racist symbol representing the team.”

 

So the kids can't get an education because of the school's mascot???

I find Stroeder's reaction a bit much.

I know there are people on both sides of this issue but Andrew Sheldon knows everything about everything...

I see your point. However, I am surprised that any school on the Olympic Peninsula would still have "Redskins" as a name, given the number of Native Americans that live in the area. If a name offends, then change it. Move on.

I see your point. However, I am surprised that any school on the Olympic Peninsula would still have "Redskins" as a name, given the number of Native Americans that live in the area. If a name offends, then change it. Move on.

 

What if I find Colonels offensive? Or Rebels? Or Indians? Or Camels? Or Tigers? Or Juggernauts?

 

Get my point? Anyone can find anything offensive.

What if I find Colonels offensive? Or Rebels? Or Indians? Or Camels? Or Tigers? Or Juggernauts?

 

Get my point? Anyone can find anything offensive.

 

The only one that could potentially be offensive is Rebels. Some teams, Thomas More, have changed their mascot from Rebels to something else.

What if I find Colonels offensive? Or Rebels? Or Indians? Or Camels? Or Tigers? Or Juggernauts?

Get my point? Anyone can find anything offensive.

.

I see where you're going. However, every name isn't offensive. Rebels is probably in the questionable category if for no other reason than because Thomas More College changed from the Blue Rebels to Saints just a few years ago. Colonels and Indians are probably iffy. I think names of animals are always safe: Bulldogs, Bluebirds, Cardinals. (As a humorous aside, I don't think Greendevils would fly at a Catholic school, do you? Ha ha.)

 

A high school in the Seattle area is called the Totems. Unlike Redskins, it salutes the area's Native American heritage without being offensive.

Another point of view:

 

Poll Finds Washingtonians Prefer 'Redskins'

Another point of view:

 

Poll Finds Washingtonians Prefer 'Redskins'

The poll focuses on Washington, D.C., not Washington State.

 

Oregon has banned Native American mascots at public schools. Washington State has asked schools to voluntarily comply.

 

Oregon bans Native American mascots in schools

 

Native American mascot controversy: Washington state asks schools to stop using Indian names | GlobalPost

The poll focuses on Washington, D.C., not Washington State.

 

Oregon has banned Native American mascots at public schools. Washington State has asked schools to voluntarily comply.

 

Oregon bans Native American mascots in schools

 

Native American mascot controversy: Washington state asks schools to stop using Indian names | GlobalPost

 

But did you read this part?

It supports a 2004 Annenberg Survey that found that 90 percent of Native Americans support the Washington Redskins name.

My problem with the "offensive nickname" ordeal is that the groups that COULD be offended (i.e. Native Americans) are NOT the groups advocating for change.

But did you read this part?

Yes, that 90 percent figure from 2004 jumped out at me, but the stats are now 9 years old. Be interesting to see what the percentage is today. Who knows, could be similar. The longer version of today's story (Washington Post linked below) crunches the numbers in more detail.

 

Washington Redskins name: Washington Post poll finds most D.C. area fans support it - The Washington Post

 

This is kind of an apples-oranges comparison anyway. In Oregon and Washington state, the attempt is to raise the self-image and achievement levels of Native American youth by moving away from stereotypes associated with Indian names. In the nation's capital, this is a business decision -- the NFL team obviously wants to keep the name for branding purposes.