Adidas has announced that it will offer free design resources to the high schools that agree to drop Native American mascots.
The sportswear company has also offered to help pay for the costs of the changes.
The pledge comes on the same day President Barack Obama is hosting leaders from the 567 federally recognized native tribes in Washington.
The use of Native American mascots and symbolism in sports is at the center of a national debate in the US.
Critics say such imagery is racially offensive and it exploits native people through stereotypes.
According to advocacy groups, there are approximately 2,000 schools in the US that have Native American mascots.
Over the past two years around 12 have dropped the mascots and about 20 are considering a change.
Adidas, which will have executives in attendance at the White House Tribal Nations Conference, has also said it will be among the founding members of a coalition that seeks to change Native American mascots in sports.
The initiative would give schools wanting to change their mascot access to the brand’s design team, who would provide logo and uniform design services.
“This remarkable stand against racism by Adidas illustrates that the issue of ending the use of the R-word is not going away, but is instead gaining momentum as people understand the damaging impacts of this racial slur,” said Jackie Pata and Ray Halbritter, leaders with advocacy group Change the Mascot, in a written statement.
The Washington Redskins, the professional American football team located in Washington, has resisted changing its name and logo despite increased criticism in recent years.
“We’ll never change the name. It’s that simple. NEVER – you can use caps,” said Redskins owner Dan Snyder, in an interview in May 2013.
Supporters of the mascots point to long traditions and say that they highlight the contribution of native people to American society.
In 2005, the governing body of university-level basketball warned teams that they would be subject to penalties if they did not change Native American mascots.
In response, some of the teams, including the Florida State Seminoles, were granted permission to use the names and imagery by tribes.
South Park creators are set to skewer the Washington Redskins over its use of the name in an upcoming episode of the highly satirical show, currently heading into its 18th season.
A teaser trailer aired during Sunday’s Redskins-Eagles game, though it reportedly was limited to the Washington, D.C. market.
South Park creators are set to skewer the Washington Redskins over its use of the name in an upcoming episode of the highly satirical show
In the trailer, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder is depicted as furious at Eric Cartman for naming his new company the Washington Redskins, taking advantage of the trademark protection on the term being rescinded after being deemed offensive.
The faux Daniel Snyder argues that Eric Cartman’s use of the term is offensive and derogatory to the team, while Cartman contends he is using it as a token of respect for the Washington Redskins and out of his deep appreciation for “their people”. Much the same argument Daniel Snyder has used in defending his team’s continued use of a term many Native Americans consider a slur.
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Bob Costas found himself in a controversy over the nature of the Washington Redskins’ name, which has stirred debate amid the NFL team’s refusal to change its moniker.
During his half-time essay segment during NBC’s Sunday Night Football telecast of the Redskins-Dallas Cowboys game, Bob Costas parsed the uproar over the Redskins and other sports franchise names that have been seen as insensitive in the modern era to various minority groups.
Bob Costas noted that some teams have adjusted their names over the years in light of modern-day sensitivities, including other teams dubbed “Redskins”, a derogatory term for Native Americans.
The NBC Sports anchor, an influential voice in the sports world, acknowledged that the name is used with “benign” intent in the present day by the team and its owner, Daniel Snyder. But he left no doubt about his reasoning on why there is a public campaign to pressure the team to change the name.
Bob Costas found himself in a controversy over the nature of the Washington Redskins’ name
“Think for a moment about the term <<Redskins>>, and how it truly differs from all the others. Ask yourself what the equivalent would be, if directed toward African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, or members of any other ethnic group,” Bob Costas said.
“When considered that way, <<Redskins>> can’t possibly honor a heritage, or noble character trait, nor can it possibly be considered a neutral term. It’s an insult, a slur, no matter how benign the present-day intent. It is fair to say that for a long time now, and certainly in 2013, no offense has been intended. But, if you take a step back, isn’t it clear to see how offense <<might>> legitimately be taken?”
Robert Quinlan “Bob” Costas, 61, is on the air for NBC Sports television since the early 1980s.
He has been prime-time host of a record 9 Olympic games.
He also does play-by-play for MLB Network as well as hosting an interview show called Studio 42 with Bob Costas.
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