Navajo High School Defends 'Redskin' Name As Source of Pride

A Navajo high school in Arizona is refuting claims that the term "redskins" is offensive to Native Americans by refusing to change its high school mascot.

The Red Mesa High School in Teec Nos Pos, Arizona is attended predominately by members of the Navajo Native American tribe, and they take pride in their football team's name, the Redskins, saying it is a source of pride and tradition for them.

As The Washington Post reports, a recent football game against a neighboring team from Many Farms High School included fans shouting from the stands "Let's Go Redskins" and members of the Red Mesa football team participating in chants to commemorate their team.

Superintendent Tommie Yazzie told the media outlet that seeking such school spirit at a local football game makes it difficult for him to consider changing the high school's mascot.

"This is one of the reasons why it's so hard to change the name," the superintendent said, adding "I don't find it derogatory. It's a source of pride."

The Red Mesa high school has reportedly been slammed by national Native American activists who argue the high school is allowing itself to be used as a pawn in a bigger debate over the Washington Redskins NFL team.

Several Native Americans, as well as politicians and church groups, have urged the NFL team to change its name, describing it as "derogatory" to Native American populations.

Team owners have vowed to never change the name, and on the other side of the aisle, prominent voices including actor Matthew McConaughey have said that they don't want the traditional name to be changed either.