Faced with mounting pressure from major retailers and Native American leaders, Washington’s NFL franchise announced Monday
morning that it will change its name from the Redskins, joining a growing list of organizations and entities that have recently
abandoned discriminatory names and symbols in the wake of nationwide anti-racism protests.
Daniel Snyder, the team’s owner, has been fighting public pressure to change the name for nearly a decade. “We will never change the
name of the team,” Snyder told USA TODAY back in May 2013. “It is that simple. NEVER—you may use caps.” Snyder appears to have
finally succumbed to the franchise’s financial ramifications. According to the team’s press statement from Monday morning, Snyder
and Coach Ron Rivera are “working closely to develop a new name and design approach that will enhance the standing of our proud,
tradition-rich franchise and inspire our sponsors, fans, and community for the next 100 years.” The introduction of the team’s new
name is apparently being delayed due to pending trademark difficulties.
“Daniel Snyder has used every tactic and opportunity to silence Native peoples and ignore our demands to change the name,” said
Crystal Echo Hawk, founder and executive director of IllumiNative, a Native-led group that works to increase Native American
participation. “Changing the name in reaction to financial pressure does not imply Snyder suddenly has morals or has learnt
something. It’s just more evidence that he prioritizes his earnings over the individuals he’s harmed.”
On July 3rd, the Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball revealed that they, too, are seriously considering changing their name.
“We are committed to making a positive impact in our community and embrace our responsibility to advance social justice and
equality,” the tribe stated in a statement. “The recent unrest in our community and our country has only underscored the need for us
to keep improving as an organization on issues of social justice.”
