By Jennifer Riso
American University Washington College of Law held its First Annual Sports Law Symposium earlier this month.
The Symposium featured a Keynote Presentation by DeMaurice Smith, Executive Director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). Smith discussed a wide variety of topics, including his role as Executive Director and his desire to do what is best for the players. Students asked questions about Michael Sam, whom Smith said that he and the NFLPA would stand by now, through the National Football League (NFL) draft, and through his career in the NFL. Moreover, Smith discussed the courage of the Northwestern football team for wanting to form a union so the players have a voice in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) decisions.
Smith’s Keynote Presentation was followed by a panel: “Debating the Washington Redskins Name.” The panelists included D.C. Councilmember At-Large David Grosso, Jesse Witten, Attorney at Drinker Biddle & Reath, and David Hinojosa, Sports Writer for the San Antonio Express-News. Suzan Harjo, Native American Rights Activist, was scheduled to sit on the panel, but was unable to attend for medical reasons. Councilmember Grosso and Witten both vehemently opposed the name “Redskins” and discussed their actions to impose change. Councilmember Grosso has been proposing change to Councilmembers since he came into office and has been conducting research to support his position. He opined that by its very definition, the term “Redskins” is a derogatory term. Witten is representing Native Americans in the current trademark lawsuit against the Washington Redskins, and is hoping that prevailing in this lawsuit will be a step in the right direction.
David Hinojosa spoke for the Redskins name. As a reporter, he is not against using the term “Redskins” in his writing. Hinojosa spoke about a recent article he wrote, where he covered a Texas high school that embraces their name and mascot, the Donna Redskins. Hinojosa reported that the name “Redskins” is something that the Donna residents feel is a part of who they are, and that they would be losing part of their identity if they were forced to change their name. In fact, the Donna Redskins are looked over by a Native American tribe leader to make sure that they are accurately portraying the Native American theme.
There was no decision made at this debate, and the panelists said they look forward to what happens next.
