The University of Minnesota has invited Washington's NFL team to join in a debate about a touchy subject: the use of Indian stereotypes in sports mascots and logos.

So far, the team hasn't said whether it will accept.

The U is hosting the panel discussion on Oct. 30, just three days before the Minnesota Vikings play Washington on campus at TCF Bank Stadium.

The debate is part of a series of educational events about American Indian heritage that the U has scheduled in the run-up to the Nov. 2 game, which has drawn protests over the use of the Redskins nickname.

The U has already registered its objection to the use of the name on promotional materials and merchandise at the game, but also sees a teaching opportunity.

"It's really about us creating the forum for people to have a discussion about the issue," said Anitra Cottledge, communications director for the U's Office for Equity and Diversity, which is coordinating the events.

The programs, which are free and open to the public, will address the impact of the use of American Indian stereotypes in mascots and logos.

The Oct. 30 debate, free and open to the public, will be held at 6 p.m. at Coffman Memorial Union. The panel will include Clyde Bellecourt, a founder of the American Indian Movement, who has called for the name to be banned from the campus stadium.

"The Washington team name will be a part of that discussion," Cottledge said, adding that "it is a larger discussion about stereotypes and American Indian mascots and logos."

The other events include:

Oct. 24, 6 p.m.: A reception for the opening of a new exhibit at Coffman Memorial Union's Art Gallery. The Richie Plass Collection includes 200 items about diversity, stereotyping and racism in connection with American Indian imagery.

Oct. 29, 6 p.m.: A screening and discussion of the 1997 documentary film "In Whose Honor? American Indian Mascots in Sports," at Coffman Theater, led by Charlene Teters, a founding member of the National Coalition Against Racism in Sports and Media.

Oct. 30, 3 p.m.: A presentation by the Department of Indian Studies, "Sovereignty Matters," at Northrop Auditorium's Best Buy Theater.

Maura Lerner • 612-673-7384