TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: From a Multicultural Counselor

The Civil Rights Commission has thoroughly investigated the practice in this country of school sports teams using Indian names, slogans and mascots and determined it to be "offensive, disrespectful, demeaning" to Native Americans. The Maryland Commission passed a resolution against the practice this year. A similar resolution is pending in Virginia, and many other school districts across the nation have taken steps to stop this oppressive practice. I urge you to take a leadership role in this matter as well, and see that all the schools over which you have influence put an end to such practices also.

Supporting oppressive rituals and practices because they are "traditional" and popular , is no more appropriate than supporting slavery, sexual harassment, discriminatory hiring practices, or other forms of oppression because they have been traditionally practiced, or because their elimination causes stress for those who are the oppressors. Neither is ignorance of the result of an activity justification for the continuation of its practice. I call on you to both educate those inyour community who remain ignorant of the damage the practice of using Indian mascots and slogans causes, and mandate that the practice cease. All those who honor this as a just society can do no less.

Across the country, school districts in Los Angeles and Dallas and states such as Wisconsin and New Jersey have opposed the use of such names. As many as 1,500 schools and colleges have abandoned their mascots and Native American names since the early 1970s, one Native American group estimates.

"Tradition" seems to be the most talked about reason why others resist following suit. The rest say "no harm is meant:" Knives hurt when they cut, and intent doesn't change that. So too do racist practices, whether practiced in ignorance or with deliberate malice.

As more schools take responsible action to end the practice, Native Americans across the land feel hope, and speak out in greater numbers than ever to tell all who will listen that they find this practice offensive. These are the voices we need to listen to. It does not matter than a few are not offended; what matters is that many are.

I am offended by any behavior that diminishes my people of today; I am offended at being treated as if I am nothing more than a "thing of the past". I am offended at being relegated to "mascot" status. I do not want my children, my grandchildren, or yours to see me as I am depicted by every mascot I've ever seen. My sacred rituals and ceremonies, and my religious beliefs are sacred, just as yours are. I do not want them to be relegated to inappropriate and stereotypical uses such as those practices by school sports teams, and their fans. I urge you to do all in your power to stop this outdated, insulting practice, and to educate those who don't understand on the need for change. Invite those of us who can rightfully speak to this issue to tell you why your actions are inappropriate, then listen to and respect the reasons why change is a
must.

Thank You for Listening,

Janet I. Jones, MEd. NCC, LPC
Delaware Nation
Multicultural Counselor, Trainer & Educator
P.O. Box 1852
Eglin AFB FL 32542
(850) 651-5185