Hearing In Neshaminy Redskins Nickname Lawsuit Set

LANGHORNE, PA — A public hearing has been set in the lawsuit against the Neshaminy School District over the high school's "Redskins" mascot.

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, which enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination, has filed suit against the district for the team name and related Native American imagery.

The hearing, which is open for public viewing, will be held Jan. 7-11, starting at 9 a.m. each day in the Solarium Room at Bucks County Community College. The college is at 275 Swamp Rd. in Newtown.

For years, critics have decried the nickname, calling on the school board to change it because of its origins as a racial slur against Native Americans. The PHRC's lawsuit contends that the name and imagery discriminate against Native American students and create a hostile environment in the district’s schools.

The suit from the state commission came after a 2013 lawsuit filed by the mother of a Neshaminy student. The suit said her child was Native American and suffered educational and other harm due to the mascot.

The claim was voluntarily dismissed in 2015 and, shortly thereafter, the PHRC initiated the current lawsuit. Under Pennsylvania law, the PHRC may act as both the plaintiff and the hearing officer in such cases.

"The District denies the allegations in PHRC’s lawsuit and, through its counsel, is defending the case, as it did in the 2013 case," Neshaminy school officials said in a written statement. "The District contends that PHRC’s allegations are unfounded."

Members of the public are entitled to attend the upcoming public hearing.

Photo via Neshaminy School District