The debate over the Washington football team’s racist name and mascot has reached a fevered pitch in recent months. But too much of the debate has missed the point. It is not just about a name, a logo, a business, or a matter of intent. Racist and derogatory team names have a real and harmful impact on American Indian and Alaska Native, or AI/AN, people every day, particularly young people.

The Center for American Progress released a new report examining the research about the harmful impact of these representations on the self-esteem of AI/AN youth, how they create a hostile learning environments in K-12 and postsecondary schools, and the decades-long movement to retire them. It also proposes new recommendations to local, state, and federal education agencies to transform learning environments that are hostile and unwelcoming to AI/AN students and their families into ones that are supportive.

Proceedings of video included above:

Welcoming remarks:
Winnie Stachelberg, Executive Vice President for External Affairs, Center for American Progress

Featured speaker:
Dahkota Franklin Kicking Bear Brown, Student, Argonaut High School; Champion for Change, Center for Native American Youth

Keynote:
Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN)

Distinguished panel:
Travis Waldron, Sports Reporter, ThinkProgress.org
Dr. Michael Friedman, Clinical Psychologist
Mark Macarro, Chairman, Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians
Jacqueline Pata, Executive Director, National Congress of American Indians
Erik Stegman, Associate Director, Center for American Progress