After demands from community members and sponsors, the formerly known "Washington Redskins" tweeted on Monday their decision to change the team’s name after a “thorough review.”

What You Need To Know

  • Monday, Washington Redskins announced they will retire their name and logo.
  • The decision was made after sponsors and community members demanded change.
  • Now, Indigenous community members respond to the change, with differing opinions.
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Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter was a part of the community demanding the change. Launching the “Change the Mascot” campaign in 2013, Halbritter said in a statement, the decision was overdue.

“The NFL and Dan Snyder have finally made the right call and Change the Mascot commend them for it ... Future generations of Native youth will no longer be subjected to this offensive and harmful slur every Sunday during football season,” said Halbritter.

While Halbritter says the name change ends the use of a historically harmful slur, a member of the Cayuga Nation said he fears the decision also erases Native American representation.

“I’m disappointed the Native American community has become a little more invisible by erasing the Washington Redskins logo. It’s one of the ways to educate and expose other communities about the Native American communities,” said Justin Bennett, member of the Cayuga Nation.  

Bennett said the name served as a representation for a population often forgotten, saying now he fears what this means for other teams with Indigenous names.

“I’m afraid the Kansas City Chiefs will be forced to change their name, I’m afraid the Atlanta Braves will be forced to change their name the Cleveland Indians all these things helped people to know about the Native American,” he said.

Halbritter says he believes the change actually allows for inclusivity, mirroring what many Indigenous communities have campaigned for, for years. Halbritter says the decision, “marks the start of a new chapter for the NFL and the Washington franchise, beginning a new legacy that can be more inclusive for fans of all backgrounds.”

The team announced in a tweet their coach and owner are working closely to develop a new name and design.