"No matter the history, the Redskins should change their name because "redskin" is a mean nickname for Native Americans (also called Indians). Oh, I know the folks at Redskins Park say the team name is meant to honor Native Americans. But if that's true, why aren't Native Americans called "redskins" in the newspaper or on TV? And why isn't the Smithsonian's new National Museum of the American Indian called the National Museum of the Redskins?

The truth is that "redskins" points out one physical thing about Native Americans. It is never nice to make fun of people. Having a team named the Redskins is like calling a team the "Curly Hairs," the "Big Noses" or the "Freckleskins.""

Get the Story:
Fred Bowen: 'Redskins': Time for a Change (The Washington Post 8/19)
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Appeals Court Decision:
Pro-Football, Inc. v. Harjo (July 15, 2005)

Lower Court Decision:
Pro-Football, Inc. v. Harjo (September 30, 2003)

Patent and Trademark Office Ruling:
Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (1999)

Relevant Links:
Redskins - http://www.redskins.com

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