(December 5, 2013)–The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has sent a letter to Houston Independent School District (HISD) Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier, asking him to change the name of Lamar High School’s mascot because it evokes a negative stereotype against Native Americans. 

ADL has called on professional sports teams to seriously consider moving away from the use of hurtful and offensive mascot names and logos. 

“We believe it is even more important to do so at a school because schools should be welcoming and inclusive, comfortable places where students have an optimum environment in which to learn,” said ADL Regional Director Martin B. Cominsky.  “As our letter says, ADL believes the time has come to choose team names, mascots and logos that reflect American values of pluralism and equality.  Knowing HISD’s commitment to being No Place for Hate®, we encourage the name change to one that does not offend a group of people, however unintentional it might be.”