Oneida Nation launching ad campaign against use of racial slur

Thursday, September 5, 2013  

The Oneida Nation of New York is launching a radio ad campaign against the use of racial slurs in sports.

The campaign targets the Washington professional football team. The first ad will be aired before the season opening game on Monday.

“We do not deserve to be called redskins,” Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter says in the ad [MP3]. “We deserve to be treated as what we are — Americans.”

The ads will air on stations in the Washington area during home games and in cities hosting the team during away games. The tribe also launched a website, Change the Mascot.

"We hope that when NFL fans across the country hear these radio ads in advance of their teams’ games with the Washington franchise, they will speak out and tell the NFL to do the right thing. The time has come for a change - one that lives up to the ideals of mutual respect," Halbritter said in a press release.

Get the Story:
As criticism of Redskins nickname grows, NY tribe launches radio ad against “racial slur” (AP 9/5)
Oneida Indian Nation Launching Radio Ad Against Redskins (CBS News / AP 9/5)

Mike Wise: Playing 'Injun' isn't an act for 72-year-old football fan (9/4)