Editorial: Tribes should be included in Indian mascot debates

Friday, February 22, 2013  

"We don't see the value of banning tribal mascot names on a state level. Yet, that is not to say that all school and team nicknames are in good taste and should be allowed. In Oregon, we just think that decision should be made by the school district itself, its students, parents and athletes, with the counsel of nearby and affected tribes.

If, such as in the case of the Florida State University Seminoles, the tribe allows the use of such a moniker it should continue. And in the case of the University of North Dakota, where voters overwhelmingly rejected use of the Fighting Sioux nickname, then the school should move on without it.

There are some mascots that seem totally uncalled for in this era. The most glaring example of racial insensitivity is the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. It is a demeaning, cruel and repulsive mascot that should be changed. Once again, a movement is afoot to do so. Still, that decision should be made by the city, the NFL and the team's owner, not by some government mandate."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Some Indian mascots are OK [see second item on page] (The East Oregonian 2/19)