TAG: 9202150362
EDITION: FOURTH
SECTION SPORTS
PAGE: D01
LENGTH: SHORT: 30 lines
HEADLINE: TO OUR READERS
BYLINE: WILLIAM A. HILLIARD, editor, The Oregonian

The Oregonian will immediately discontinue using sports teams' names and nicknames that many Americans feel are offensive to members of racial religious or ethnic groups.

Initially, this will include references to Redskins, Redman, Indians and Braves. Others may be dropped if it becomes evident that they, too, are offensive.

I have directed this action with the belief that these names tend to perpetuate stereotypes that damage the dignity and self-respect of many people in our society and that this harm far transcends any innocent entertainment or promotional value these names may have.

America is a multicultural society and all of us have an absolute right to demand respect from our fellow citizens. The Oregonian is sensitive to the feelings of those in our society who are rightly offended today by names and nicknames that came into being when a majority in this country was insensitive to minority concerns.

WILLIAM A. HILLIARD, Editor
KEYWORDS: THE OREGONIAN
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