It’s time to take a look at schools with Native American nicknames
New names for two venerable pro teams in Washington and Cleveland are being explored, and there’s no better time than now during some important racial reckoning.
But it’s time to look at high school nicknames, logos and mascots too, Gov. Ralph Northam said this week in a letter to state school boards. He urged them to evaluate Virginia public schools with names and mascots “that memorialize Confederate leaders or sympathizers.”
Northam’s letter mentioned only Confederate references. But will it stop there?
The Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians don’t fall into that category, but if they’re deemed offensive, and fans are soon cheering for the Washington Red Tails, what does that mean for high schools with similar Native American monikers?
Four high schools in Hampton Roads have Native American nicknames or logos: Nansemond River in Suffolk, Indian River in Chesapeake, Kecoughtan in Hampton and Kempsville in Virginia Beach.
Nansemond River and Kecoughtan — both nicknamed the Warriors — are schools named after prominent Native American tribes. Both campuses have signs with a stoic Native American on their front lawns, and it’s important to note that neither logo is clownish or cartoonish.
Are those schools named in tribute to those tribes? Yes. But then again, that’s what Washington NFL owner Dan Snyder has claimed for years about his team’s name. He has resisted vehemently until last week.
The Native American names and logos don’t offend me, and maybe they don’t offend you. But I’m not Native American. Are you? And if not, why do you get to decide what’s offensive to someone who is? Answer that question before you call or email