October, 31 2014, 04:15pm EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
CAIR-MN Executive Director Lori Saroya, 612-327-6700, lsaroya@cair.com;
CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com
CAIR-MN to Join Protest of Racist Team Name at 'Redsk*ns'-Vikings Game
MINNEAPOLIS
On Sunday, November 2, representatives of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) will join a community-wide protest of the racist team name of the Washington football team. The protest is organized by the National Coalition Against Racism in Sports and Media. Protestors will gather at 8:30 a.m. at the University of Minnesota Northrop Plaza.
SEE: Protesters Will Challenge 'Redsk*ns' Name in Minneapolis Sunday (Star Trib)
In June, CAIR applauded a decision by the United States Patent and Trademark Office to cancel the Washington football team's trademark of its name because the use of the ethnic slur is "disparaging to Native Americans."
Last year, CAIR joined the growing call by Native American groups and others for the team to change its name.
SEE: Oneida Indian Nation Change the Mascot campaign
Muslim Civil Rights Group Joins Call to Drop 'Redsk*ns' Team Name
'Redsk*ns' Name Condemned by Black, Latino, Muslim Groups (Washington Post)
"We have an obligation to condemn all racist slurs and make it clear that they do not represent Minnesotans or our values," said CAIR-MN Executive Director Lori Saroya.
She said CAIR supports similar changes for all high school, collegiate and professional teams that use racist names and mascots.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is a grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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