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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Karen Clark (DFL)

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Minneapolis lawmakers’ joint statement on Washington football team name, mascot

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Today, advocates from Minnesota’s American Indian community and other supporters will march to the Metrodome as part of a rally to pressure the visiting Washington football team to “Change the Name, Change the Mascot.” Senator Jeff Hayden (DFL-Minneapolis), Representative Susan Allen (DFL-Minneapolis) and Representative Karen Clark (DFL-Minneapolis) released the following statement:

“We stand with the many American Indian leaders, public officials, and everyday Minnesotans advocating for a change of the Washington football team’s name and mascot as they visit the Metrodome tonight.

The word “redskins” is racist and derogatory. Regardless of the present day intent, this racial slur is clearly offensive to many Minnesotans, and especially insulting to our American Indian community. This team name is not welcome in our city, it’s an embarrassment to our nation’s capital, and it’s time for the National Football League to do the right thing.”