CAIR Applauds Cancellation of Disparaging 'Redskins' Trademark

WASHINGTON, June 18, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today applauded a decision by the United States Patent and Trademark Office to cancel the trademark registration of the Washington "Redskins" football team because the use of the ethnic slur is "disparaging to Native Americans."

SEE: U.S. Patent Office Cancels Redskins Trademark Registration, Says Name is Disparaging (Washington Post)
http://tinyurl.com/qfee4ds

[NOTE: Also today, CAIR repeated its request that the Switzerland-based International Basketball Federation (FIBA) change its rule banning Muslim women athletes from wearing Islamic head scarves, or hijab. Indira Kaljo of Los Angeles, Calif., told CAIR that she is seeking a professional contract in Europe, where she already played for two years before deciding to wear hijab. SEE: Calif. Muslim Woman Basketball Player Denied Right to Play by FIBA Hijab Ban, http://tinyurl.com/oj9anuv]

Last year, CAIR joined the growing call by Native American groups and others for the team to change its name.

SEE: Oneida Indian Nation Change the Mascot Campaign
http://www.changethemascot.org/supporters-of-change/  

Muslim Civil Rights Group Joins Call to Drop 'Redskins' Team Name
http://tinyurl.com/kdrt9gx

'Redskins' Name Condemned by Black, Latino, Muslim Groups (Washington Post)
http://tinyurl.com/nm3277z

"We applaud the Trademark Office for its decision and welcome the fact that a professional football team will no longer be able to make money by marketing an ethnic slur," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "We will continue to stand in solidarity with Native American groups working to have the Washington team's name changed."

He said CAIR supports similar changes for all high school, collegiate and professional teams that use racist names and mascots.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR Communications Manager Amina Rubin, 202-341-4171, [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations

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