For immediate release: April 14, 2001

VIOLENT HEADLINES RALLY SUPPORT FOR KANSAS INDIAN ACTIVISTS

Yesterday's statement by the United States Commission on Civil Rights is affirmation that American Indian derived symbols and mascots are inappropriate. The message to schools, professional sports and entertainment entities is clear -- abolish these race-based symbols.

Cleveland's cultural racial export, Chief Wahoo, inspires "ORIOLES GUN DOWN INDIANS" headlines, Hutchinson News

• "These images and mascots of American Indian people should have gone by the way side with black-faced minstrels, lawn jockeys, Frito Bandito, Little Black Sambo and other racially motivated caricatures. Now maybe they will," stated Vernon Bellecourt, President, NCRSM referring to yesterday's landmark statement by the United States Commission on Civil Rights.

National Coalition on Racism in Sports and the Media (NCRSM)

Due to the recent headlines that shouted, "Orioles Gun Down Indians" in the Hutchinson News on Sunday, April 8, 2001, NCRSM is establishing a new chapter in Kansas, with Joni Tucker-Nisbeth as President. Use of Native American references for sports teams contributes to violence against

Native Americans and "Orioles Gun Down Indians" is a prime example of irresponsible media reporting on teams with Native references," stated Nisbeth. "Since Kansas is no stranger to the Indian based mascot issue, this newspaper should have known better." For this reason, NCRSM now calls for all media to immediately stop using Native references in sports reporting. Very simply, use Cleveland instead of its inappropriate Native reference.

Nisbeth brings considerable experience and accomplished members to NCRSM-KS, including Chick Hale of the Hiawatha School District who has seen victory in his town's decision to relinquish their mascot. Meanwhile, the battle in Hutchinson, Kansas has been raging for almost two years and has received national attention with the media and anti-mascot activists across the country.

When the offensive nature of the mascot was originally brought to the fore by Ms. Tucker-Nisbeth and Matthew Richter, the community response was that no one cared but the two people who complained. Thereafter, when two emails threatened the safety of the home and family of Mr. Richter the issue took on new proportions. One would assume that when it was discovered that the authors of these emails were students, that strong actions would have been taken.

Unfortunately, it wasn't until the Department of Justice brought in the FBI that the local police took notice. Across the country, people are wondering what inspires youths of today to the outbursts of violence that is more common than even imaginable. Less consideration is given, though, to the emotions many children face each day when they leave the safety of their homes to attend schools that are not nurturing havens.

For further information:

Vernon Bellecourt, President, NCRSM, 612-721-3914

Joni Tucker-Nisbeth, President, NCRSM-KS, 316-663-9879