California Bans Schools From Using “Redskins” as Team Mascot or Name

This weekend was a huge win for Native American activists across the country after California became the first state in the nation to pass a law banning schools from using “Redskins” as a team name or mascot.

The measure, which was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown on Sunday, will force the four schools in the state still using the nickname to drop the offensive moniker by January 1, 2017, or risk losing public funding.

THANK YOU @JerryBrownGov ! #Wehaveavoice #thenamehaschanged #ChangetheMascot pic.twitter.com/SeDPyqpl0b

— trumpetnative (@trumpetnative) October 12, 2015

This is a big victory for groups like Change the Mascot, who have campaigned for years to rid the racial slur from sports organizations. In a joint statement Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter and fellow Change the Mascot leader National Congress of American Indians Executive Director Jackie Pata praised California for “standing on the right side of history by bringing an end to the use of the demeaning and damaging R-word slur in the state’s schools.” They wrote, 

They have set a shining example for other states across the country, and for the next generation, by demonstrating a commitment to the American ideals of inclusion and mutual respect.

Their historic step to build a better future stands in stark contrast to the dogged inaction of Washington’s NFL team, which in the face of all the evidence that this term degrades and offends Native Americans, continues to defend and promote the slur for its own financial gain.

The most populous state in the country has now taken a stand against the use of this insidious slur in its schools, and Change the Mascot expects more states to follow. This landmark legislation eliminating the R-word in California schools clearly demonstrates that this issue is not going away, and that opposition to the Washington team on this issue is only intensifying. The NFL should act immediately to press the team to change the name.

The message effectively called out the Washington Redskins football franchise for its refusal to change its name despite protests from Native Americans warning that the name is offensive and essentially the same as calling an African-American person the “n-word.” The four California schools that would be forced to change their mascots don’t agree with this argument, calling the decision a “disappointment.” The schools include Gustine High School in Merced County, Calaveras High School in Calaveras County, Chowchilla Union High School in Madera County and Tulare Union High School in Tulare County. Tulare’s Principal Michelle Nunley was clearly upset with the ruling according to the Los Angeles Time. Nunley, who is part Ottawa Indian and also happens to be the mother of the Redskin Warriors star running back Mello Harris tole the Times,

We took students to the Senate education committee. We thought it would be a great educational experience. We had a letter from our local tribe saying they supported us. If they don’t have a problem how can we be causing offense? The senators were rude. They called us insensitive and racist.

It’s clear that there are still mixed feelings about the ruling, but California’s decision does appear to be a step in the right direction. It will be interesting to see if this new law has any impact on the football team in our nation’s capital.

Alexis Evans

Alexis Evans is an Assistant Editor at Law Street and a Buckeye State native. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and a minor in Business from Ohio University. Contact Alexis at aevans@LawStreetMedia.com.