Columnist calls on schools in Utah to eliminate their racist Indian mascots and stereotypical Indian imagery:
The most blatantly racist is the Cedar City Redmen. The Tribune won’t use Redskins or Redmen in any context other than this. According to Cedar City High School’s website, the school’s 1943 student council led by president Jay Thorley adopted the name "Redman" as a way of "representing the many Native Americans who lived and continued to live in this area. The name was originally chosen for the athletic teams but over time represented the entire student body. The mascot, an Indian head, has changed throughout the history of CHS, but has always been true to its roots. CHS students are expected to be proud to be a Redman. The mascot reminds all of us of the pride, nobility and hard work it takes to achieve success." You have to wonder what the just over 2 percent of the student population at Cedar High who are Native Americans think of the nickname. In fairness to Cedar City High, U.S. News and World Report just named it the top non-charter high school in Utah. One of the criteria is the effectiveness of how minority students are educated. So, obviously, administrators are doing something correct there. Still, that is a horribly racist nickname.Get the Story:
Tom Wharton: It’s time to abolish prep Native American mascots (The Salt Lake Tribune 4/27)
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