Change Redskins Name To The Redhawks: Activists

LANDOVER, MD -- Native Americans gathered outside FedEx Field in Landover on Sunday to protest the name of the Washington Redskins, requesting that their name be changed to the Redhawks instead, according to a report.

WTOP reports that the Rising Hearts Coalition, a Native American activist group, launched an online campaign on Wednesday and demonstrated outside the Redskins-Cardinals game on Sunday.

The launch of the WashingtonRedhawks.com website fooled more than a few people, who thought that the Redskins had decided to change their name out of the blue. It even caused the Redskins to issue a statement clarifying that there had been no name change.

"On December 13th, The Washington football team franchise announced an updated team name and logo, coming Fall 2018. The WASHINGTON REDHAWKS is a team EVERYONE can cheer for," the website states, although there is a disclaimer above the article that says the website is a parody. "The Franchise is proud to be a leader in bringing people together in the DMV and in our country during a time of growing divisions."

Redskins owner Dan Snyder has said in no uncertain terms that he would never consider a name change. In fact, in recent years he's gone on offense, trying to court Native American leaders and drum up support for the name.

"The Washington Redskins team, our fans and community have always believed our name represents honor, respect and pride," Snyder said in a team statement as reported by the Washington Post last year, pointing to a Post poll that showed nine in 10 Native Americans aren't offended by the name. "Today’s Washington Post polling shows Native Americans agree. We are gratified by this overwhelming support from the Native American community, and the team will proudly carry the Redskins name."

Still time to support the Thunderclap in time for kickoff today. Help us show the world that we’re ready to change the name from an offensive racial slur. #GoRedHawks https://t.co/8vhITZ88G0
— Washington Redhawks (@redhawksdc) December 17, 2017

Statement from the Washington #Redskins pic.twitter.com/u3DQJFiFXi
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) December 13, 2017

Image via WashingtonRedhawks.com