'It's corporate America stepping up for racial justice' - Professor on Redskins name change

Washington NFL franchise anunced on Monday that it will drop “Redskins” name and Indian head logo immediately, bowing to decades of criticism that y are offensive to Native Americans.

A new name must still be selected for one of oldest and most storied teams in National Football League, and it was unclear how soon that will happen. But for w, arguably most polarising name in rth American professional sports is gone at a time of reckoning over racial injustice, icography and racism in U.S.

who specializes in corporate communication, race and diversity,

move came less than two weeks after owner Dan Snyder, a boyhood fan of team who once declared he would never get rid of name, launched a “thorough review” amid pressure from sponsors.

FedEx, Nike, Pepsi and Bank of America all lined up against name, which was given to franchise in 1933 when team was still based in Boston.

team said it is “retiring” name and logo and that Snyder and coach Ron Rivera are working closely to develop a new name and design.

Native American advocates and experts have long criticised name y call a “dictionary-defined racial slur.”

Over a dozen Native leaders and organizations wrote to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last week demanding an immediate end to Washington’s use of name. Goodell, who has fielded questions on topic for years, said he supported review.

Protests against name predate Snyder buying team in 1999, and, until w, he had shown willingness to consider a change.

Strong words from sponsors - including a company run by a mirity stakeholder of team - changed equation.

Im credits: AP