The American Psychological Association on Tuesday called for the elimination of Indian mascots, saying they are harmful to Indian youth.

"The use of American Indian mascots as symbols in school and university athletic programs is particularly troubling,� APA President Ronald F. Levant said in a statement. �Schools and universities are places of learning. These mascots are teaching stereotypical, misleading and, too often, insulting images of American Indians. And these negative lessons are not just affecting American Indian students; they are sending the wrong message to all students.�

The APA previously passed a resolution [PDF] in opposition to mascots. It stated that research has shown that "continued use of American Indian mascots, symbols, images, and personalities by school systems appears to have a negative impact on the self-esteem of American Indian children."

Get the Story:
Association Says Mascots, Indian Names 'Harmful' (The Washington Post 10/19)
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Psychological group urges end of Indian mascots (AP 10/18)
Press Release: APA Calls for the Immediate Retirement of American Indian Sports Mascots (AP 10/18)

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