Washington Post column asks "Why not the Washington Reagans?" Photo by Windspeaker / Twitter
The Arlington County Board in Virginia voted 3-2 to call on the Washington NFL team to eliminate its racist mascot. The resolution adopted on Tuesday describes the team mascot as a "racist slur and derogatory." A new name would bring a "fresh start" the Washington region, the board stated. The board joins the District of Columbia Council in opposing the use of a racial slur in professional sports. But other politicians in Virginia -- where the team's organization is based -- have stood by the name. The team currently plays at FedEx Field in neighboring Maryland. The lease there doesn't expire for another 12 years but Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) is already trying to lure the operation to his state. New D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also wants to the team to return to its original playing location in the nation's capitol. She has said she supports changing the name. Get the Story:
Arlington board majority asks football team to change Redskins name (The Washington Post 5/20)
Suzan Harjo discusses activism around Native American mascots (The Dartmouth 5/19)
Tug of war for new Redskins stadium is complicated by name debate (The Washington Post 4/12) Also Today:
How high school lacrosse team played role in 'Redskins' name change (USA Today 5/20)
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