INTRODUCTION

For decades, many Native American activists and supporters have sought the renaming of sports team names and the removal of their respective mascots (University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences). As of 2023, 1,901 schools across the United States still had Native American themed mascots for their teams (K-12 Dive). However, the activists’ efforts were not limited to local schools, as the issue rose to the level of professional sports franchises – with the debate surrounding the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians being the most prevalent.

In the wake of the 2020 murder of George Floyd, the issue reached a “turning point” on the national stage. Shortly thereafter, both Washington and Cleveland removed their Native American names and imagery, and many local teams across the country followed suit. School districts such as Pennsylvania’s Southern York County voted to remove and replace their local team names, as they more formally considered “the impact the reductive imagery” had on students (Associated Press). Advocates for the removal of Native American themed mascots and team names frequently cited an array of surveys that found that such use was “often negative” and restricted “the number of ways American Indians can see themselves” (K-12 Dive). Other supporters for the removal argued that the depictions are “often inaccurate” and diminish the accomplishments of those Native Americans alive today (Associated Press).

Since 2024, however, there has been a noticeable shift with regard to the issue. As an example, a new school board makeup in Southern York County voted to reinstate their “Warrior” mascot and logo just three years after the prior board voted to retire it. Organizations such as the Native American Guardian’s Association – which includes Native Americans as members – support the use of such mascots and team names as an opportunity to teach about their culture and history (University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences). Related, as states continue to craft legislation addressing the issue in their local school systems, some are creating opportunities for schools to maintain Native American themed mascots and names if permission is granted from local tribes and councils (K-12 Dive). And the Trump administration has supported these efforts, saying that blanket bans on Native American themed mascots and team names “constitute discrimination based on race and national origin” and that public polling is supportive of keeping such imagery.

So what do you think? This deliberation presents thirteen video clips, five articles, and numerous educational activities to guide students through a review of the debate over whether sports teams can use Native American mascots and names. After a careful review of multiple perspectives, students will determine their answer to the question and be presented with several optional extensions to take an active role in the debate.

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Objectives and Outcomes

• Students will be able to describe key vocabulary terms and concepts associated with the debate surrounding whether sports teams can use Native American mascots and names.
  
  
• Students will be able to identify and explain aspects of the debate surrounding whether sports teams can use Native American mascots and names, including those arguments related to tradition, respect, honor, and self-esteem, among others.
  
  
• Students will be able to evaluate arguments related to the debate surrounding whether sports teams can use Native American mascots and names and formulate an opinion on this question.

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