Washington Redskins mascot controversy The Washington Redskins Mascot Controversy involves the logo and name of the Washington Redskins , and has been a source of controversy between its owners , certain Indian groups , fans , and the United States government . Some Indian groups insist that the term “ Redskin ” is a racial epithet , and as such , it perpetuates demeaning stereotypes of Native Americans . Others believe that the name is honoring the achievements and virtues of Native Americans , and that it is not perceived in a negative manner . Former Redskins owner Jack Kent Cooke said “ I admire the Redskins name . I think it stands for bravery , courage , and a stalwart spirit and I see no reason why we shouldn ’ t continue to use it . ” These differing opinions have led to controversy , protests and legislative action . Origin . The origin of the word " redskin " is debated . Some scholars say that the word was coined by early settlers in reference to the skin tone of Native Americans . Elizabeth Delacruz believes that “ the term “ redskins was originally used by white settlers as a way to count the number of Indian scalps collected by trappers and other Indian exterminators . However Smithsonian linguist Ives Goddard says the evidence to support such a claim is " unfounded " and further claims the term was first used in the 1800s . The Washington Redskins were originally known as the Newark Tornadoes and then the Boston Braves . In 1933 , co - owner George Preston Marshall changed the name to the Redskins ; possibly in recognizance of the then head coach Lone Star Dietz who claimed to be part Sioux . Dietz ’ s true heritage has been questioned by some scholars . The Washington Redskins name and logo , which is a picture of an Indian , was officially registered in 1967 . Controversy . There is much debate whether the use of the word Redskin is acceptable as a name for a sports team . Clarence Page of the Orlando Sentinel wrote in 1992 “ [ The Washington Redskins ] are the only big time professional sports team whose name is an unequivocal racial slur . After all , how would we react if the team was named the Washington Negroes ? Or the Washington Jews ? . . . It is more than just a racial reference , it is a racial epithet . ” Many others believe that the name is a positive reference to the culture of Native Americans . Many Redskins ’ fans say that it is a reference to the strength and courage of Native Americans . Some scholars counteract this argument by saying that any stereotype , whether positive or negative , is a hindrance to the advancement of a group . Scott B . Vickers quotes Susan Harjo " the use of any stereotype in the portrayal of Indians is considered . . . to be contributory to their dehumanization and deracination . " Despite vocal and legal action from Native American groups and scholars , the majority of people surveyed on the subject do not find the name offensive . Following the 1992 Super Bowl protests , the Washington Post posted a survey in which “ 89 percent of those surveyed said that the name should stay . ” In a study performed by the National Annenberg Survey , Native Americans from the 48 continental U . S . states were asked “ The professional football team in Washington calls itself the Washington Redskins . As a Native American , do you find that name offensive or does it not bother you ? ” In response , ninety percent replied that the name is acceptable , while nine percent said that it was offensive , and one percent would not answer . Protests . Soon after the name change , Native Americans starting writing letters to owner Jack Kent Cooke encouraging him to change the name . Others boycotted Redskins products and protested . At one protest “ Native Americans handed the fans redskin potatoes as they entered a Redskins game , suggesting that if the team will not change their name altogether , then they should at least change their mascot to the potato . Many of these events were led by Suzan Shown Harjo of the National Congress of American Indians ( NCAI ) . Redskins owner Jack Kent Cooke responded to these pleas in an interview stating “ There ’ s not a single , solitary jot , tittle , whit chance in the world that the Redskins will adopt a new nickname . ” There was a large protest at the 1992 Super Bowl between the Redskins and the Buffalo Bills . Since the game was held in Minnesota , the area ' s large Native American Population was able to voice their anger over the name . The American Indian Movement ’ s ( AIM ) Vernon Bellecourt was one of the main organizers and voices of the event . Before and during the game , approximately 2 , 000 Chippewa , Sioux , Winnebago , and Choctaw , and other Native Americans and members of the local population protested . Some of the signs they carried read “ We are not Mascots ” , “ Promote Sports not Racism ” and “ Repeal Redskin Racism ” . Legal action . In 1992 , Susan Shown Harjo , President of the Morning Star Institute , joined forces with other prominent Native Americans as well as Dorsey & Whitney law firm of Minneapolis and petitioned the U . S . Patent and Trademark office . They based their lawsuit on the idea that Federal Trademark law states that certain trademarks are not legal if they are " disparaging , scandalous contemptuous , or disreputable . ” The legal battle went on for seven years and in 1999 the judges canceled the federal trademarks of the Redskin name “ on the grounds that the subject marks may disparage Native Americans and may bring them into contempt or disrepute . ” Upon the news that the Redskins had been sold , the owners appealed the decision to a district court in the District of Columbia in Pro - Football , Inc . vs . Harjo . The court reversed the decision on the grounds of insufficient evidence of disparagement . Subsequent appeals have been rejected on the basis of laches , which means that the Native Americans had pursued their rights in an untimely and delayed manner . If Harjo had won the case , the Washington Redskins would be able to keep the name and many of its federally trademarked rights , but they may have still lost out on millions of dollars worth of merchandise sales .