SAN DIEGO BRANCH
P. O. BOX 152086 · SAN DIEGO, CA 92195-2086 · (619) 263-7823
1012 DERBY STREET · SAN DIEGO, CA 92114
NASA >> Mascot Information >> NAACP
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE
SAN DIEGO BRANCH
P. O. BOX 152086 · SAN DIEGO, CA 92195-2086 · (619) 263-7823
1012 DERBY STREET · SAN DIEGO, CA 92114
For Immediate Release
Contact : President Douglas Oden, Esq.
Phone: (619) 702-0800Mr. Keith Morgan, 3rd Vice-President
Phone: (619) 507-0094
SAN DIEGO BRANCH NAACP OPPOSES USE OF HUMAN MASCOTS
The San Diego Branch NAACP strongly opposes SDSU President Stephen Weber's proposed “Aztec Warrior” mascot referendum and joins other groups seeking to eliminate the use of Native Americans—and other historically oppressed people and their cultural traditions—as sports mascots and symbols.
“We support the conscientious faculty, students and community members who are urging President Weber to abandon efforts to resurrect “Monty Montezuma”—no matter how “authentic” or “historically accurate” he is rendered,” says Branch President Doug Oden. “In so doing, we reaffirm the National NAACP's position that ‘the use of Native American people, images, symbols, and cultural and religious traditions as sports names, logos and mascots perpetuates racist stereotypes and undermines the self-determination and dignity of Indian people.' We are certain that San Diego State University has both the means and the goodwill to create a non-human mascot that promotes school spirit without sacrificing respect for the fundamental rights, dignity, and worth of any group of people.”
The San Diego Branch of the NAACP is dedicated to equality in all areas of life and is committed to opposing injustice wherever it exists.