"I'm neither a Native American activist nor a politically correct scold; I'm just a mom raising three kids, trying to teach them basic values. I grew up rooting for the team, oblivious to the possibility that the Redskins name might offend anyone. I needed an American Indian friend to help me understand that many Native Americans see "Redskin" as a derogatory word, once used pejoratively by white settlers who believed that American Indians were savages.

Some people honestly believe that the name Redskins is a positive image for this minority group, but if a significant number of the people supposedly being honored by the label don't feel that way, shouldn't we reconsider?

I know that Daniel Snyder paid a huge sum to acquire the Redskins team, and he may assume that the name has too much economic value to change. But a franchise name can have negative value as well."

Get the Story:
Kay B. Stevens: Bench This Offensive Stereotype (The Washington Post 8/7)
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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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