Washington, DC- Today, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia upheld the ruling of cancellation of the Washington, DC football team’s trademark name and logo.
NCAI President Brian Cladoosby stated, “It’s time to end the harmful legacy of perpetuating racist stereotypes that in no way honor our diverse cultural heritage. The federal courts have recognized that the use of the R-word is offensive and degrading to our identity as Native people.”
NCAI and Indian Country have been advocating for over 60 years for the football team to change the name. In the ruling, the Court thoroughly discussed NCAI’s longtime advocacy against the Washington team name. NCAI has worked diligently with the group Change The Mascot on this issue and applauds the ruling that clearly upholds the spirit of Pro Football v. Harjo, the 1992 case challenging the use of the team trademark.
See Change The Mascot’s release here.
See the final Ruling here.