Re-Name Mascots to End Harmful Stereotypes

Jul 6, 2020 | Featured Post, Inside the College Fund, President's Blog

Mascot Statement

#TheTimeIsNow for racist sports team names and mascots to be re- named. The American Indian College Fund appreciates its long-time mission supporters, FedEx, Nike, and WalMart. They have chosen to stand alongside indigenous groups across the United States to amplify our voices and to call upon the Washington NFL team to change its name. We are proud to call you our allies.

Indigenous people are a vibrant part of both our nation’s history and modern-day America. Eliminating mascots that reinforce harmful stereotypes sends a powerful message to our children that we value all histories, cultures, and perspectives, helping to foster confidence, growth, and success from kindergarten to college graduation and to build a better future for all. #ChangeTheName. #NotYourMascot.

Cheryl Crazy Bull
President and CEO, American Indian College Fund

 

Twitter

#TheTimeIsNow to demand racist sports team names and mascots be changed. Thank you to long-time College Fund mission partners FedEx, Nike and Walmart for standing with Native scholars and communities and amplifying our voice – we’re proud to call you our friends. #ChangeTheName. #NotYourMascot

https://www.nbc12.com/2020/07/02/fedex-asks-washington-redskins-change-team-name/  https://www.newsweek.com/nike-pulls-redskins-merchandise-online-store-after-fedex-demands-name-change-1515210

Facebook

#TheTimeIsNow to demand racist sports team names and mascots be changed. Long-time supporters of the College Fund – FedEx, Nike and WalMart – have chosen this time to be brave voices for Native people and communities and to leverage their influence to make real, tangible change. We’re proud to call you our friends and to have you standing with us and amplifying our voice. #ChangeTheName. #NotYourMascot

https://www.nbc12.com/2020/07/02/fedex-asks-washington-redskins-change-team-name/  https://www.newsweek.com/nike-pulls-redskins-merchandise-online-store-after-fedex-demands-name-change-1515210

Recent Blog Posts

Native American Rights Fund (NARF) Challenges Federal Staff Reductions at Haskell and SIPI

Native American Rights Fund (NARF) Challenges Federal Staff Reductions at Haskell and SIPI

On Friday, March 7, 2025, the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) announced three Tribal Nations (Pueblo of Isleta, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, and Cheyenne Arapaho Tribes) along with five Native students sued the United States Department of Interior and Office of Indian Affairs. The case, brought by NARF in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, challenges the staff reductions at the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) and the BIE-run tribal colleges which include Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) and Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI).

American Indian College Fund Names President Carla Sineway, President of Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College as 2024-2025 Tribal College and University President Honoree of the Year 

The American Indian College Fund selected Carla Sineway, President of Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College, as its 2024-2025 Tribal College President Honoree of the Year. This award is granted to a distinguished individual who made a positive and lasting impact on the tribal college movement.