The Washington NFL franchise announced on Monday that it is dropping the "Redskins" name and Indian head logo. The change comes after decades of criticism that the name and logo are offensive to Indigenous people. In recent weeks the team had launched a "thorough review" of the name and logo following public pressure from sponsors. FedEx, Nike, Pepsi and Bank of America all spoke out against the name, which was given to the franchise in 1933 when the team was still based in Boston.
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) July 13, 2020
A new name has yet to be selected for one of the oldest and most storied franchises in the NFL. In their announcement, the team said that owner Dan Snyder and head coach Ron Rivera are "working closely to develop a new name and design approach" but it wasn't made clear how long that process will take. The team's announcement was made on the old letterhead with the previous name, because the team technically retains it until a new one is chosen and approved.
Oneida Nation Leader Ray Halbritter, who in 2013 began the "Change The Mascot" campaign to pressure the team to change the name, released a statement praising the decision. Halbritter says the change "closes a painful chapter of denigration and disrespect towards Native Americans and other people of colour"
Oneida Indian Nation leader Ray Halbritter, who in 2013 began a push to get @Redskins to change its name, reacts to today''s news: pic.twitter.com/Z38q3CLGBo
— Tom Precious (@TomPreciousALB) July 13, 2020
