Non-NFL Redskins sports teams

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See also: Current HS Redskins and Former HS Redskins

Non-NFL teams with the name Redskins, mostly High Schools, have received attention due to the media coverage of the Washington Redskins name controversy, in particular three which have a majority of Native American students. Advocates for the name conclude that because some Native Americans use the name to refer to themselves, it is not insulting.[1] However, the principal of one of these, Red Mesa High School in Teec Nos Pos, Arizona, said that use of the word outside American Indian communities should be avoided because it could perpetuate "the legacy of negativity that the term has created."[2] Wellpinit High School on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Washington wants nothing to do with the national controversy, seeing Redskins as the traditional name they have used for their team. However, they do not accept being used as a justification for anyone else using the name.[3]

As of early 2013, the Capitol News Service in Maryland listed twenty-eight high schools in 18 states that had dropped the "redskins" name during the prior 25 years as a result of a combination of state legal action, protests from Native American groups, or voluntarily; while 62 were listed as continuing to use the redskins name.[4] Since that list was compiled, an additional six high school teams (cited below) have changed their name, and a law signed on October 11, 2015 will require the four High Schools in California to change their name by January 1, 2017.[5]

The college teams using the name changed voluntarily, the University of Utah became Utah Utes in 1972, Miami University of Ohio became the RedHawks in 1997 and the Southern Nazarene University became the Crimson Storm in 1998.

Role in the national controversy[edit]

On its official website in early 2013, the Washington Redskins posted articles referring to high school teams using the same name (and often the same logo). The athletic director of Coshocton High School in Coshocton, Ohio is quoted as saying, "We are very proud of our athletic teams and very proud to be called Redskins!"[6] The principal of McLoud High School in McLoud, Oklahoma says that not only students, but the local Native American population takes pride in the name.[7] The coach at Lamar High School in Houston, Texas says, "Our school is 75 years old and there's a lot of pride in it," he explained. "I think it's a great mascot, as all of the traits of a Redskins warrior are something to be admired."[8]

High schools[edit]

Recent changes[edit]

The Cooperstown Central School Board of Education in Cooperstown, New York voted 6-1 on March 6, 2013 to remove the Redskins mascot from its interscholastic athletic, extracurricular and academic programs. The move was prompted by a vote by the student body, asking that the mascot be changed. The Oneida Indian Nation was so moved by the actions of the Cooperstown students, that a letter by Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter was written to the students, commending their decision and offering to make a contribution to help offset the cost of changing mascots.[9]

In June 24, 2013 school board members of the Port Townsend High School in Port Townsend, Washington voted to replace its "Redskins" nickname, logo, and mascot (used since 1926) due to its divisive nature.[10] In April 2014 the students selected Red Hawks as their new team name. The next step will be to select new graphics to replace the old.[11]

Lamar High School in Houston, Texas[12] became the Texans in April, 2014.[13] However it was noted that team uniforms are periodically replaced anyway, so the cost is not due only to the name changes.[14]

On December 8, 2014 the Oklahoma City School Board voted unanimously to remove Redskins as the nickname for Capitol Hill High School. The vote came in response to pleas from students and teachers who found the term offensive.[15] The following day some students of the high school upset by the change protested the school board decision.[16] On January 6, 2015 the school board held an information forum at which a panel of Native American community leaders presented the reasons for the decision, including the derogatory nature of the term. Some members of the audience walked out during the presentation, and one alumni called the presentation "propaganda" and asserted his opposition to changing the name. Another alumni stated that if any Native Americans did not like the name Redskins they should go to a native school.[17][18] A committee has selected four possible replacements, including Red Hawks, Red Wolves, War Eagles and Nations, with the final decision to be made by a vote of Capitol Hill Students. Names such as Chieftains and Warriors, although favored by alumni on the committee, were not selected as continuing the linkage to Native Americans.[19] In a vote by students in May, 2015, Red Wolves was selected as the new mascot.[20]

The name of the Lancaster, New York High School team was discussed at a school board meeting in January, 2015. "Of all the words that could be used to describe us, ‘Redskin’ is the worst, said John Kane, talk show host for the First Voices Indigenous Radio Network". The school has de-emphasized the Redskins name in recent years, eliminating the name and logo from the scoreboard and uniforms. However, two former school board members defend the name, citing it as "a source of community identity, pride and spirit". Kane characterized the defense of the name as having an "Archie Bunker" mentality. "In this day and age, it’s not a celebratory term," said Hilary N. Weaver, associate dean for academic affairs at the University at Buffalo and co-director of the Immigrant and Refugee Research Institute. "You’re a school district, and it’s important to look at what you’re teaching. … I don’t think racism has a place in an educational institution."[21]

The name was debated at the Lancaster school on March 3, 2015, and was defended by many, but not all current and former students. One pro-Redskins supporter paid for the flights of two individuals to attend a rally and state that as Native Americans they are not offended by the name.[22] One of the individuals speaking for Native American Redskins fans was Mark One Wolf Yancey,[23] who had been previously investigated and found not to be Native American.[24] The President of the Seneca Nation of New York, Maurice John Sr., wrote a letter stating: "Let’s be clear — the term "redskin" is a racial slur... I strongly disagree with those who argue that it is a term of honor and respect. It has no place in today’s society." The letter was also addressed to President Barack Obama, Governor Andrew Cuomo and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell with reference to the Washington NFL team.[25] Two high schools, in Akron and Lake Shore, have cancelled Lacrosse games with Lancaster in support of the Native American opposition to the Redskins name. The student population in the Lake Shore school district is 15% Native American, and 11% in Akron, while there are only a dozen Native Americans out of 6,000 students at Lancaster.[26][27] On March 16, the Lancaster school board voted unanimously to retire the Redskin mascot.[28] Two days after the decision, about 300 students in favor of keeping the mascot protested, out of 2,000 total in the school district.[29] The Lancaster School Board has been given a service award by the Western New York Educational Service Council for the courage and wisdom it displayed in determining that the current mascot was harmful to the Native American population.[30] In June, 2015 a student vote selected Legends as the new name with a knight in armor as the new logo.[31] The July 6, 2015 meeting of the board included two newly elected members who favor changing the name back, which led to some heated exchanges.[32]

The name was again discussed in Goshen, Indiana where the majority of the school board is in favor of changing the mascot of Goshen High School[33] while others, including athletic staff favor maintaining what they view as part of a tradition of leadership and sportsmanship.[34] The board decided in a 5-2 vote to retire the name, proponents citing the reevaluation spurred by the Washington NFL controversy. The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is among those advocating the change, saying in a written statement, "The R-word crosses a line for us. It's offensive, derogatory, and demeaning. ... Using the R-word perpetuates harmful stereotypes of Native Americans, and continues the damaging practice of relegating Native Americans to the past and portraying us as a caricature." The Goshen school board voted November 16, 2015 to adopt RedHawks as the new mascot, effective January 1, 2016.[35] [36]

Current activity[edit]

Upon introducing a bill[37] to ban, as of January 2017, the Redskins name used by high schools in the state of California, Assemblyman Luis Alejo stated that there is ""no reason why we can't ... phase out that particular derogatory term from our public high schools".[38] The four affected high schools are Tulare Union High School, Gustine High School, Calaveras High School, and Chowchilla Union High School.[39] The superintendent of Calaveras High defends the name, and states that the change would cost the school $60,000 that it does not have.[40] The students and staff of Tulare Union High School strongly defend the name, which they have used for 100 years.[41] The bill passed the California State Assembly in May, 2015,[39][42] was amended and passed by the California State Senate [43] and received final passage in September.[44] The Tule River Tribal Council wrote a letter to California Governor Jerry Brown urging him to allow Tulare Union High School to continue using the “Redskins” mascot. The letter states that while "the history surrounding the name ‘Redskin’ is negative", rather than dwell on the past they support the school's continued use of the name to express “tremendous pride and honor” felt by “students and alumni.”[45] The governor signed the bill into law on October 11, 2015.[46]

The Conrad Schools of Science in Wilmington, Delaware has formed a "Retire the Mascot" committee to begin the process of changing the mascot that has been used for 80 years, but which many students and staff now agree is offensive to Native Americans.[47] However the president of the alumni association states that "He and other Conrad alumni wear their Redskins pins and clothing with pride."[48]

Fort Wayne Community Schools officials have begun discussions to change the Redskins name used by North Side High School for its athletic teams, marching band and school nickname.[49]

Opposition to change[edit]

Union High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a high-profile high school athletic program,[50] has consistently opposed protests and proposed legislation intended to change its "Redskins" nickname.[51][52] However, a new mascot named "Hyper" has been introduced.[53]

In June 2013 the school superintendent in Driggs, Idaho announced that Teton High School would drop its longtime "Redskins" nickname, logo and mascot to show respect for Native Americans.[54] However, the decision was not immediately implemented due to the costs, and the school board has not taken any further action.[55]

The Canisteo-Greenwood School Board in New York also voted in 2013 to remove the mascot of their high school[56] but reversed the decision due to public opposition.

After failing in her appeals directly to Neshaminy High School, a parent filed a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) alleging the "Redskins" name is a form of harassment offensive to Native Americans and her 13-year-old son who attends the school. The school board unanimously voted to ask the commission to dismiss the complaint,[57] but the editors of the student newspaper, the Playwickian, voted to stop using the name.[58] However, the principal and the school board president have decided that the student newspaper's editorial board does not have the right to refuse to use the name.[59] The school board reached a compromise policy in which the name would not be entirely banned, but allowed in editorials and letters to the editor; however the editors of the paper and their attorney maintain that this policy is contrary to state law and the US Constitution.[60] Both the student editor and the faculty adviser for the paper were suspended for two days by the school district supervisor for not printing the name.[61] The faculty adviser, Tara Huber was recently named Journalism Teacher of the Year by the Pennsylvania School Press Association. The Playwickian journalists were honored by the ACLU on October 8, 2014, receiving one of four Civil Libertarian Awards,[62] and in December, 2014 by the Philadelphia City Council with a resolution commending their actions.[63] As of November, 2014 the Neshaminy School District has incurred $26,000 in legal fees defending the mascot.[64] The PHRC has made a preliminary finding that the name Redskins is "racially derogatory" and creates a "hostile educational environment." The case will now proceed to a hearing by the full commission unless the school district takes steps to remedy the situation, which thus far they have refused to do.[65]

Other teams[edit]

Throughout the country, some of the other teams with the Redskins name must deal with the controversy.[66] Others say there have been no complaints, including a youth league Sarasota, Florida, the "Ringling Redskins" in which the teams are the "Braves", "Indians", and "Warriors".[67][68]

Middle school[edit]

  • Antioch Redskins of Plant City, FL, Youth Football[69]
  • Dearborn Heights Redskins Jr. Football, Dearborn Heights, MI[70]
  • Grayling Redskins Youth Football, Grayling, MI[71]
  • Knox Redskins, Knox, Indiana
  • Lancaster Junior Redskins, Lancaster (village), NY[72]
  • Morris, IL – Little Redskins IKWF sanctioned wrestling club (K-8th grade) Uses a version of the DC team logo[73]
  • New Rock Redskins, Conyers, GA (Ages 6–12) Uses the DC team logo[74]
  • Ohio Redskins Youth Sports (age 4-14), Columbus, OH[75]
  • Patterson Redskins Football (youth) Patterson, CA[76]
  • Rochester Redskins, Rochester Hills, MI[77]
  • Sarasota Redskins Youth Football, Sarasota, FL (age 4-14)[78]
  • South Cherokee Recreation Association (SCRA) Youth Footfall, Woodstock, GA Uses the DC team logo[79]
  • Sterling Heights Redskins, Sterling Heights, MI (youth) Uses the DC team logo[80]
  • Stonybrook Redskins, Indianapolis, IN
  • Wayland Redskins, Wayland, NY (Youth Football ages 6–12)[81]
  • Woonsocket Redskins, Woonsocket, RI – Youth Football (K-9th grade) Uses the DC team logo[82]

Pop Warner football[edit]

Further information: Pop Warner Little Scholars

Youth/Little league football[edit]

Amateur[edit]

  • Morden Redskins, South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League (amateur adult)[102]

See also[edit]

External links[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Rick Reilly (September 18, 2013). "Have the people spoken?". ESPN. Archived from the original on September 19, 2013. Retrieved October 15, 2013. 
  2. ^ Michelle Peirano (May 1, 2013). "In debate over Redskins name, is the 'R-word' for racism or respect?". Cronkite News. Retrieved 2014-02-06. 
  3. ^ "Redskins controversy? High school with debated name just wants to be left alone". The Seattle Times. June 30, 2014. 
  4. ^ "The Other Redskins". Capitol News Service. Retrieved June 16, 2013. 
  5. ^ Melanie Mason (October 11, 2015). "California schools barred from using 'Redskins' as team name or mascot". Los Angeles Times. 
  6. ^ "We Are Very Proud To Be Called Redskins". February 11, 2013. Retrieved October 20, 2013. 
  7. ^ "McLoud: 'Our Community Is Proud Of Our Name'". February 12, 2013. Retrieved October 20, 2013. 
  8. ^ "Lamar: 'Once A Redskin, Always A Redskin.'". February 13, 2013. Retrieved October 20, 2013. 
  9. ^ "Oneida Indian Nation Congratulates Cooperstown Central School Board for Voting to Remove Redskins Mascot". March 7, 2013. Retrieved March 14, 2013. 
  10. ^ Charlie Bermant (June 25, 2013). "'Redskins' dropped as team name and mascot for Port Townsend High School". Peninsula Daily News. 
  11. ^ Charlie Bermant (April 10, 2014). "Port Townsend students pick Red Hawks as high school’s new mascot". Peninsula Daily News. 
  12. ^ Troy Blevins. "Houston ISD votes to change school mascots". KPRC. 
  13. ^ Ericka Mellon (April 15, 2014). "New HISD mascots: Huskies, Wolf Pack, Texans". The Houston Chronicle. 
  14. ^ Louis Ojeda Jr. (April 16, 2014). "Houston schools change 'historically insensitive' mascots". FOX Sports Southwest. 
  15. ^ Heide Brandes (December 10, 2014). "Oklahoma City high school drops the name 'Redskins' for its team". Reuters. 
  16. ^ L. Noland (December 10, 2014). "Update: Oklahoma City students protest mascot change". KFOR-TV. 
  17. ^ Ben Felder (January 7, 2015). "Opinions over mascot clash at public forum". Oklahoma Gazette. 
  18. ^ Graham Lee Brewer (January 6, 2015). "American Indian parents' group holds forum on Capitol Hill mascot name change". NewsOK. 
  19. ^ Tim Willert (February 26, 2015). "Four possible mascot names chosen for Oklahoma City's Capitol Hill High School". News OK. 
  20. ^ Tim Willert (May 23, 2015). "Red Wolves will replace Redskins as Capitol Hill High School mascot in Oklahoma City". The Oklahoman. 
  21. ^ Karen Robinson (January 21, 2015). "Redskins nickname is debated in Lancaster". Buffalo News. 
  22. ^ ""Redskins" nickname supporter flown in ahead of rally". WGRZ. March 2, 2015. 
  23. ^ Karen Robinson (March 2, 2015). "Pro-Redskins group brings in out-of-town Native Americans who support Redskins mascot". The Buffalo News. 
  24. ^ Justin Moyer (October 10, 2014). "Report: Indian booster for Washington Redskins is not an Indian". The Washington Post. 
  25. ^ Brittni Smallwood (March 3, 2015). "Lancaster debates the term Redskin". WIVB.com. 
  26. ^ Jay Rey (March 6, 2015). "Akron and Lake Shore cancel lacrosse games with Lancaster". The Buffalo News. 
  27. ^ Matt Higgins (March 10, 2015). "As ‘Redskins’ Issue Splits Upstate Community, District Is in No Rush to Decide". The New York Times. 
  28. ^ "Redskins Nickname Is Dropped by School District in Upstate New York". New York Times (Lancaster, New York). Associated Press. 16 March 2015. Retrieved 17 March 2015. 
  29. ^ THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (March 19, 2015). "Lancaster, NY students protest school's decision to drop Redskins nickname". Newsday. 
  30. ^ "Lancaster School Board to be honored for mascot name change". The Buffalo News. March 31, 2015. 
  31. ^ "New Lancaster Mascot is the Legends". WGRZ. June 3, 2015. 
  32. ^ Karen Robinson (July 7, 2015). "Mascot fight continues in Lancaster". The Buffalo News. 
  33. ^ Julie Crothers Beer (July 13, 2015). "Goshen mascot's fate may come by end of month". Goshen News. 
  34. ^ Larry J. Kissinger, CAA, Director of Athletics, Goshen High School. "Goshen Redskins Mascot Statement". Retrieved July 14, 2015. 
  35. ^ Jacob Zinkula (July 28, 2015). "Redskins mascot no more in Goshen". South Bend Tribune. 
  36. ^ Associated Press (November 17, 2015). "Goshen board approves RedHawks mascot". 
  37. ^ "AB-30 School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act.". Retrieved September 9, 2015. 
  38. ^ Jason Hoppin (December 4, 2014). "Assemblyman seeks ban on offensive mascots in California public schools". San Jose Mercury News. 
  39. ^ a b Jessica Glenza. "California assembly passes bill to ban 'Redskins' as high school team name". The Guardian. 
  40. ^ Derek Shore (May 5, 2015). "Bill Banning Redskins Name Would Cost School $60,000; Unclear If State Will Pick Up Tab". CBS Local. 
  41. ^ Jessica Peres (December 30, 2014). "New California bill aims to rid school 'redskins' mascots". KFSN-TV Fresno. 
  42. ^ "California getting closer to banning Redskins mascot". The Fresno Bee. June 18, 2015. 
  43. ^ Chris Nichols (September 8, 2015). "California Senate Passes Bill To Ban Confederate Names on Public Property". Capitol Public Radio. 
  44. ^ Travis Waldron (September 10, 2015). "California Legislature Approves Ban On 'Redskins' Mascots". The Huffington Post. 
  45. ^ Joel B. Pollak (October 1, 2015). "California Indian Tribe Backs School’s ‘Redskins’ Mascot". BREITBART. 
  46. ^ Melanie Mason (October 11, 2015). "California schools barred from using 'Redskins' as team name or mascot". Los Angeles Times. 
  47. ^ Brad Myers (March 20, 2015). "Conrad considers dropping Redskins nickname". Delaware Online: The News Journal. 
  48. ^ Monica Malpass (April 15, 2015). "Long-standing mascot at Wilmington school sparks controversy". ABC Inc., WPVI-TV Philadelphia. 
  49. ^ Kevin Kilbane (July 23, 2015). "FWCS discussing change of North Side H.S. Redskins nickname". The News-Sentinel. 
  50. ^ "Sports Illustrated names Tulsa's Union on list of top athletic programs". Tulsa World. July 6, 2009. 
  51. ^ Randy Krehbiel (October 19, 2013). "Union Redskins have no plans to change name". Tulsa World. 
  52. ^ Kukla, Dan (2014-10-11). "Tulare Union High School stands by Redskin mascot amid national firestorm". Visalia Times-Delta and Tulare Advance-Register. Retrieved 2015-11-22. 
  53. ^ Winfrey, Katiera. "Union Unveils New Mascot, Keeps Same Name". Retrieved 2015-09-15. 
  54. ^ "Idaho High School Drops Redskins Logo, Mascot". Huffington Post. 2013-06-12. Retrieved 2014-10-21. 
  55. ^ Scott Stuntz (April 11, 2014). "Views on Redskin issue largely unchanged since last year". Teton Valley News. 
  56. ^ "Another New York High School Will Drop Redskins Nickname and Mascot". Indian Country Today. June 6, 2013. 
  57. ^ Omari Fleming (October 25, 2013). "Parent Asks School To Change Mascot Name". Fox News. 
  58. ^ Christian Menno (October 25, 2013). "Student newspaper to stop using school's 'Redskin' nickname". The Morning Call. 
  59. ^ "Neshaminy High School’s Editorial Board Challenged on Nixing ‘Redskins’". November 15, 2013. 
  60. ^ MICHAEL MACAGNONE (June 26, 2014). "Neshaminy board passes controversial Playwickian policy". The Bucks County Courier Times. 
  61. ^ Anna Schiffbauer (September 17, 2014). "Playwickian adviser, student editor suspended for defying administrative orders with Redskins ban". Student Press Law Center. 
  62. ^ "Neshaminy journalists to be honored by ACLU". Philly.com. September 10, 2014. 
  63. ^ Mike Dunn (December 4, 2014). "Phila. City Council Honors Neshaminy Students For Controversial Stand on Racial Epithet". CBS Philly. 
  64. ^ Michael Macagnone (December 21, 2014). "Neshaminy incurred $26K in attorney fees over mascot name issues". Bucks County Courier Times. 
  65. ^ D.E. Schlatter (May 4, 2015). "State civil rights agency finds Neshaminy's use of ‘Redskins’ name ‘racially derogatory,’ could open door for lengthy proceedings". BucksLocalNews. 
  66. ^ Sarah Barshop (October 2, 2014). "Youth leagues also wrestling with controversial Redskins nickname". Sports Illustrated. 
  67. ^ "Local Redskins youth league not feeling pressure to change name". WWSB ABC 7. June 19, 2014. 
  68. ^ "Satasota Ringling Redskins". Retrieved November 18, 2015. 
  69. ^ Antioch Redskins
  70. ^ Dearborn Heights Redskins Jr. Football
  71. ^ Grayling Redskins Youth Football
  72. ^ Lancaster Junior Redskins
  73. ^ Little Redskins
  74. ^ New Rock Redskins
  75. ^ Ohio Redskins Youth Sports
  76. ^ Patterson Redskins Football
  77. ^ Rochester Redskins
  78. ^ Sarasota Redskins
  79. ^ South Cherokee Recreation Association
  80. ^ Sterling Heights Redskins
  81. ^ Wayland Redskins
  82. ^ Woonsocket Redskins
  83. ^ Albemarle Redskins Virginia
  84. ^ Oak Cliff Redskins
  85. ^ Phoenix, AZ
  86. ^ Reynolds Corner Redskins, Toledo OH
  87. ^ Stratford Redskin, CT
  88. ^ Willamette Redskins, Eugene OR
  89. ^ "Antioch Redskins, Plant City, Florida". http://www.antiochredskins.org/. 
  90. ^ DeRon Talley (November 15, 2012). "D'ville Redskins headed to the Superbowl". The Donaldsonville Chief. 
  91. ^ Fauquier Youth Football, Fauquier County, Virginia
  92. ^ Jackson Redskins Sports Club
  93. ^ Kanawha Youth Football Redskins, Richmond, Virginia
  94. ^ Loudon Redskins Youth Football, Loudon, Tennessee
  95. ^ Ohio Redskins Youth Sports Association
  96. ^ Rochester Redskins, Rochester, Michigan Rochester Redskins
  97. ^ "Local Redskins youth league not feeling pressure to change name". WWSB. June 19, 2014. 
  98. ^ South Cherokee Redskins
  99. ^ South Cherokee Redskins Association, Woodstock, Georgia South Cherokee Redskins Association
  100. ^ Southwest Redskins, Houston, Texas Southwest Redskins
  101. ^ Washington Redskins Midget Football, Washington, New Jersey
  102. ^ Morden Redskins
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