Petition Text: 20030-IC-R178-U

In our society today, there is a growing debate and discussion about the appropriateness of using Native American names as nicknames for professional sports teams and university mascots. As the publication produced by the United Methodist Church, Words That Hurt, Words That Heal, highlights, the use of names and language is a powerful instrument for good and destructive purposes. It is demeaning to an entire segment of our society to depict them as violent and aggressive people by calling a sports team the "Braves" or "Warriors." The implication is that all Native Americans are aggressive and violent people. This use of nicknames is not conducive to the development of a society committed to the common good of its citizenry.

In The Book of Resolutions, 1992, pg. 178 (The United Methodist Church and America's Native People) the United Methodist Church has issued a call for repentance for the church's role in the dehumanization and colonization of our Native American sisters and brothers. In light of this stand and the fact that we strongly believe the continued use of Native American names as nicknames is demeaning and racist, we urge all United Methodist-related universities, colleges, and schools to set an example by replacing any nicknames which demean and offend our Native American sisters and brothers; and we support efforts throughout our society to replace such nicknames, mascots, and symbols.

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Petition Text: 20030-IC-R178-U
1996 United Methodist General Conference