1984 “I realize it’s not the end of stereotypes in sports, but I think it was really important that a federal commission get involved and make a statement to move our country toward more equality and social justice." - Cyd Crue

Group calls for end of Indian names
U.S. Commission on Civil Rights says nicknames might violate laws
by Greg Toppo
April 16, 1984 Indiana Gazette
      Washington – American Indian activists cheered a federal civil rights panel’s call .. for an end to Indian team names and mascots at non-Indian schools, colleges and universities.
     The recommendation by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights does not carry the weight of law, but activists saw it as an endorsement of their efforts.
      “This is a great day,” said Charlene Teters, a member of the Spokane Nation. Her protests at the University of Illinois in the late 1980s and early 1990s helped spark a national debate over Indian sports names and mascots. The university’s teams are still called the Illini, named for an old Midwest Indian confederation, and its mascot is still Chief Illiniwek. 
      Teters and others said the commission statement could persuade schools to take another look at their Indian nicknames and mascots, giving opponents of the names legitimacy when they push for changes.
        “I think it’s going to make a big difference,” said Cyd Crue, president of the Illinois chapter of the National Coalition on Racism in Sports and the Media. “I realize it’s not the end of stereotypes in sports, but I think it was really important that a federal commission get involved and make a statement to move our country toward more equality and social justice.” ……
      “Schools have a responsibility to educate their students. They should not use their influence to perpetuate misrepresentations of any culture or people,” the statement said…. 
      Hundreds of teams still use names such as Indians and Braves, but several school districts, colleges and universities have changed team names at the urging of Indian groups.
      The St. John’s University Redmen are now the Red Storm, while Stanford fans cheer for the Cardinal instead of the Indians. Miami of Ohio has also changed its nickname from the Redskins to the RedHawks.
      This week, the Aftron, NY school board voted unanimously to stop using an Indian mascot and logo for its sports teams, doing away with the mascot, logo and “Indians” nickname at the end of this school year.
      Last week, New York State Education Commissioner Richard Mills sent a letter to school districts urging them to drop Indian names, symbols and mascots.
      Phil Brockman, principal of West Seattle High School, whose team name is the Indians, said the recommendation probably will renew a long-standing debate between students and alumni…. 
1984, April 16. Indiana Gazette 

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