2016 “We want to be treated as human beings. We deserve respect and dignity.”

In 1975, the annual Tulare Union vs Tulare Western football games included the burning of a Redskin effigy. Setting the effigy ablaze was means to energize football players and students… But organizers failed to comprehend its meaning. One attendee – Native American student Celaya - remembers the effigy being strung up on a pole and students calling out “burn the redskin.” Caleya said, “All I wanted to do was to stop this. We wanted to stop the burning of the Redskin.” 

The effigy was removed and put away. Later Celaya said “On that day we had to speak out. I didn’t do that for myself. It’s not right to hear those words.” And “We want to be treated as human beings. We deserve respect and dignity.”

Darlene Franco, also of Native American descent, has joined Celaya in urging the school change its name – without a fight. “The Redskin word is insensitive. It’s derogatory. It’s the law. I am done with it.” 


2016 Jan 23, Visalia Times 

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